Background Information
The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, also known as the MRGO, was a 76-mile-long canal created in the 1960s. The purpose of the MRGO was to reduce the amount of time it took for vessels to travel from the Gulf of Mexico to the Port of New Orleans. It was seen as a way to both reduce the cost of shipping and to boost tourism in the area, as the MRGO provided a shortcut for trade vessels and vacationers. However, the construction of the canal had a disastrous effect on the wetlands in the area, leading to rapid erosion.
By 2009, the MRGO had caused an estimated 17,000 acres of coastal wetlands to be lost, with a total of 24,000 acres being at risk. As the canal had failed to provide any of the economic benefits it had promised and with the growing environmental degradation in the area, efforts to decommission the MRGO began in 2007 by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana State Legislature.
Filling the Mississippi Outlet
In an attempt to restore the wetlands in the area, officials chose to fill the MRGO with sediment. The goal of the project was to fill up the canal in order to reduce the flow of water, which would then slow or completely stop the erosion that had been occurring. The project was completed in 2009 with the canal being completely filled and the area around it being restored.
The total cost of the project was estimated to be around $1.3 billion and required over 11 million cubic yards of soil. The project was funded by the federal government and combined several methods, such as dredging, pumping, and flooding, to achieve the goal of restoring the area.
Impact of Filling the Mississippi Outlet
The effects of the filling of the MRGO were immediate. The area has seen increases in wetlands, wildlife, and tourism. The wetlands were able to stabilize due to the reduced flow of water, allowing them to regenerate over time. Wildlife in the area have been able to flourish, including brown pelicans, fish, and game. The improved wildlife was highly beneficial to the tourism industry in the region, bringing more visitors to the area.
The restored environment around the MRGO has also allowed for the economic development of the region. Local businesses and the gulf fishing industry have thrived in recent years, leading to the generation of new jobs and wealth. Additionally, the area has become more resilient to storms and sea level rise, due to the increased wetlands in the region.
Experts Perspectives
The project to fill the MRGO has garnered praise from experts in the field of environmental science. Many believe that the project is an example of successful environmental engineering, with the restoration of the wetlands in the area serving as an example of the power of science. Critics of the project point out that the cost of the project is incredibly high, with some believing that the resources used in the project could have been better used elsewhere.
Analysis & Insights
The success of the project to fill the MRGO serves as a testament to what can be accomplished when the necessary resources are given to an important endeavor. While the cost of the project was high, the benefits it provided far outweigh the costs, both to the environment and to the people that live in the area. The positive effects of the project have been felt all throughout the Gulf area and have served as an example of what can be done when resources are combined to solve a problem.
The success of the project also serves as an example of the importance of properly managing our environment. The effects of climate change and other disturbances can have a severe effect on the environment, leading to detrimental long term effects that can be felt for years to come. By taking the necessary steps to restore the environment now, we can ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and benefit from the environment as much as we do.
Economic Impact of Filling the Outlet
The project to fill the MRGO has had a positive impact on the local economy in the area. The project led to the creation of new jobs in the area and increased revenue for local businesses. Additionally, the increased tourism in the region has resulted in additional revenue for the local economy, allowing businesses to further expand and provide more services.
The increased revenue in the region has also allowed for increased infrastructure projects and further economic development. The federal and state governments have used the additional funds generated by the project to benefit the area in several ways, such as improving roads, providing better services, and investing in education. These projects have allowed for new opportunities to arise in the region, further benefitting the local economy.
Environmental Benefits of Filling the Outlet
The most immediate and significant benefit of the project to fill the MRGO was the restoration of the wetlands in the area. The increased wetlands have allowed for a stabilization of the coastline, providing additional protection from storms and sea level rise. Additionally, the wildlife in the region has returned, creating a unique and diverse ecosystem in the area.
The presence of the wetlands also serves as a natural buffer against pollution, preventing the runoff from polluted water from flowing into the Gulf. This is especially important to the fishing industry in the area, as it helps to ensure that the fish being caught are safe for consumption. Finally, the wetlands also provide a habitat for a number of different species, providing a benefit to the entire region.
Rehabilitation of Degraded Habitat
The MRGO project was not only successful at restoring the wetlands, but also at restoring the degraded habitats in the region. After years of ecological damage, many of the species in the area had been pushed to the brink of extinction. However, the restoration project has allowed for many of these species to return and thrive, leading to a much healthier ecosystem.
The project also helped to reduce the amount of pollutants flowing into the Gulf. Pollutants such as oil and chemicals had been a major issue in the area and posed a significant threat to the flora and fauna in the area. The restoration project was able to greatly reduce the amount of pollutants in the area and further protect the environment from any potential damage.
Restoration of Wetland and Biodiversity
The wetlands in the area have also seen an increase in biodiversity as a result of the project. The presence of more diverse species has allowed for a stronger connection between species, which is beneficial to the entire ecosystem. Additionally, the presence of more diverse species has been beneficial to the tourism industry in the area, with some areas seeing a significant boost in visitors as a result.
The project has also allowed for the return of indigenous species such as the Brown Pelican, Carolina Chub, and the Marsh Ratsnake. These species are very important to the area, as they provide a balance to the environment and help to keep the ecosystem in check. The presence of these species has heightened the beauty of the region, bringing a unique character to the area.
Conclusion of the Project
The project to fill the MRGO has been praised by many as a great example of what can be accomplished when proper resources are given to a project. Not only was the project successful in restoring the environment, but it also led to a great benefit to the local economy. The project has been seen as a great success and has provided a model for future projects of its kind.
