Dredging, flood protection works begin at Louisiana’s University Lakes project site

Dredging and flood protection works have commenced to improve the University Lakes project area near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The works will encompass deepening of the six lakes in the project area to provide a more sustainable aquatic system and providing increased flood protection for upstream and downstream communities. The project also seeks to enhance the area’s environmental viability in supporting natural habitats.

The first step includes testing different means for dredging and removing sediment on a small portion of the lake to determine what method works best.

The project is being undertaken by a partnership of state and local agencies as well as private organisations. The joint venture of engineering firms Brailsford and Dunlavey and CSRS (B&D/CSRS) was selected in January 2020 to serve as the project advisor.