“What if I told you this serene landscape holds the key to New Orleans’s survival?” I ask, gesturing towards the Bonnet Carré Spillway. The Bonnet Carré Spillway is more than just a tranquil expanse of grass and water. It’s a vital flood control structure. It protects New Orleans from the mighty Mississippi River.
The Bonnet Carré Spillway was built in response to the devastating Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. This flood ravaged the Mississippi valley. The Flood Control Act of 1928 authorized its construction. The Bonnet Carré Spillway’s location was strategically chosen. This area had experienced four major levee breaches since 1849. It was a known weak point in the river’s defense.
The spillway’s dam consists of 350 bays, each 20 feet wide. They are set between sturdy concrete piers and closed by vertical timbers. These timbers can be raised to release the river’s excess floodwaters. The water then flows into Lake Pontchartrain. Then it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Earthen guide-levees contain the water within the spillway. They extend 5.7 miles, showcasing the Mississippi’s immense power. The river sits higher than the surrounding land, a constant reminder of its potential for destruction.
The Bonnet Carré Spillway was first used in 1937. Since then, it has been opened eleven times. Its last opening was in 2011. Interestingly, while its primary purpose is flood control, it has also become a recreational area. When not inundated with floodwater, it’s a haven for wildlife. It is also a popular spot for fishing, biking, camping, and even model airplane flying competitions.
On the downriver side of the Bonnet Carré Spillway lies the Shell Chemical Company. It has operated there since 1955. The view from the levee separating the spillway from the plant is truly spectacular, especially at sunset. The industrial complex glitters with lights. It emits a low hum against the fiery sky. Across the river, more chemical plants rise. Upriver, the setting sun paints the spillway’s broad expanse of grass a warm hue. The Mississippi’s surface, also tinted by the sunset, reflects the enormous ships anchored on its waters. The Bonnet Carré Spillway is a vital safeguard. It also offers recreational opportunities. It’s a powerful symbol of human ingenuity and the enduring force of nature.