From Wastewater to Wetlands

Down in New Orleans officials are experimenting with how to restore decades of wetlands that have been lost due to rising salinity levels in the surrounding bayous. The Central Wetlands CIAP Wastewater Assimilation Project will provide fresh water and nutrient to reduce salinity and encourage plant growth by redirecting and reusing some treated wastewater and effluent from the East Bank Sewage Treatment Plant into the dying wetland area rather than discharging it into the Mississippi River. Restoring freshwater flows and taking advantage of the resources available serves as a model for all coastal Louisiana restoration efforts. Currently, the project is on track to freshen 2300 acres. Cost $10 million.