Abstract
The purpose of this study was to quantify the potential of available storm water to mitigate the adverse impacts of impounded saline water within a 1,336-ha, forested coastal ecosystem. A site-specific hydrodynamic model was constructed to predict the spatial influence of reduced salinity resulting from the continuous discharge of storm water, at a volume of 2.83 cubic meters per second (cms), directly and indirectly into the study area. These results were then incorporated into the Wetlands Value Assessment (WVA) model to quantify wetland benefits to specific habitats.
The results show that the discharge of 2.83 cms of storm water can significantly enhance wetland functions within the 1,336-ha coastal ecosystem. The most benefit occurs when the storm water is discharged directly into the swamp via dedicated channel or pipeline, in contrast to discharging into an existing bayou within the subbasin and directing flow into the adjacent wetlands. Utilizing the WVA methodology, direct discharge is predicted to result in a net wetland benefit of 725.97 Average Annual Habitat Units (AAHUs). This benefit is largely attributed to reductions in salinity and an improved water regime (mixing) within the declining baldcypress swamp.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bollich, D.E. (2001) Comparison of Classified Satellite Imagery and Vector Habitat Data to Detect Areas of Dead Baldcypress within Areas of Coastal Louisiana and the Impact on Climate Change. M.Sc. Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Donnell, B.P., ed. (2001) User's Guide to GFGEN Version 4.35. Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Donnell, B.P., Letter, J.V., McAnally,W.H. and Thomas,W.A. (2001) User's Guide to RMA2 Version 4.5. Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development CenterWaterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Letter, J.V. and Donnell, B.P. (2001) User's Guide to RMA4 Version 4.5. Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (1997) Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation Plan. Office of Coastal Restoration and Management, May 1997.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (2000) Title 42 U.S. Code Sections 4321-4370(f),Chap.55.Online.GPOAccess.Available:http://www.gpoaccess.gov/uscode/index.html.
Natural Resource Damage Assessments (2004) 15 Code of Federal Regulations Section 990.. Online.GPOAccess. Available: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html.
Natural Resources Liability (2000) Title 42 U.S. Code Section 9607 (f)(1), Chap. 103, Subchap. 1. Online. GPO Access. Available: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/uscode/index.html.
Saucier, R.T. (1963) Recent Geomorphic History of the Pontchartrain Basin. Louisiana State University Studies, Coastal Studies Series Number Nine.
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service (1987) Soil Survey of St. Charles Parish, Louisiana.
Water Quality Standards and Implementation Plans (2000) Title 33 U.S. Code Section 1313, Chap. 26. Online. GPO Access. Available: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/uscode/index.html.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nesbit, S.P., Bollich, D.E., Mashriqui, H.S. et al. The use of storm water to enhance a coastal swamp. Urban Ecosystems 7, 139–155 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:UECO.0000036266.85507.f0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:UECO.0000036266.85507.f0