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Video by Marisa Gaona, Timothy Reeves

ERDC Support for Saltwater Intrusion

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

Oct. 11, 2023 | 7:25

Building upon decades of research and expertise, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is supporting the USACE New Orleans District and emergency officials as they respond to the intrusion of saltwater along the Mississippi River in south Louisiana.

Lower precipitation totals across much of the central portion of the United States this summer have not only caused drought conditions in multiple states but have also led to a smaller and weaker Mississippi River.

As a result, saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico that is normally held back by the force of the Mississippi River is now slowly making its way up the river, causing significant threats to communities in south Louisiana and their drinking water.

In addition to modeling and forecasting the creep of saltwater up the river, ERDC is also providing world-class engineering support in mitigation efforts that include modifications to a sill – or underwater dam – that is designed to slow the intrusion.