BACKGROUND

K characterized the baseline hydrologic conditions on an approximately 4,369-acre tract in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the future use of the Savanne Property as a wetland mitigation bank. The study included conducting a quantitative vegetation survey to understand the functional ecology, and investigating the potential impact of future hydrologic modifications to the project area and adjacent bayous.
CK designed a site-wide hydrologic monitoring system to develop additional understanding of the natural fluctuation of water levels on the project area. Surface water elevation monitoring stations were installed to monitor and record the level of surface inundation throughout the project area. Data collected and stored by monitoring station equipment was accessed in real-time using a telemetry system to allow for monitoring from any offsite device with internet access.

FINDINGS

K determined that the property had undergone significant anthropogenic, hydrologic, and hydraulic modification over the course of many years to arrive at its current state. The modifications prevented the property from behaving as a cohesive hydrologic unit with its surrounding water bodies by preventing the exchange of water with surrounding water bodies. CK determined that hydraulic conductivity could be restored to the property through cuts in a spoil bank along an adjacent bayou, and that restoration would be unlikely to increase flooding within the surrounding community.

RESOLUTION

K recommended not pursuing the establishment of a wetland mitigation bank on the property since anticipated drainage conditions after restoration of the hydraulic connectivity would not be favorable for mitigation banking.