Thursday, June 9, 2016

Kelly Williams: Corps building bigger floods

In 1946 the Southern Authors Literary Guild chose "Speeding Floods to the Sea" as the most outstanding book of the fall.  Pretty racy stuff.  A book about cut offs - on the Mississippi River. The author W.E. Elam lived in Greenville which was known for its writers. He was not a writer though.  He was an engineer.  But not just any engineer.  He was the Chief Engineer of the Mississippi Levee District and a respected authority on floods. Floods were a big deal in Mississippi then. They had a big effect on its farm-based economy. So Elam wrote the book about how to prevent or moderate them.

It's pretty simple: just speed the floods to the sea. The idea is to straighten and shorten the river by cut offs.  The faded paper jacket on the book shows the river's meandering Greenville Bends. They looked like a winding country road with a super highway cut off going straight through.  Cut offs shortened the river about 150 miles.  They sped up its flow and cut a steeper slope and deeper bed in many places.  So the river carried more water at lower levels (stages).
Cut offs were a controversial part of the Corps of Engineers' Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries Project authorized by congress after the great flood of 1927. The project was changed many times in response to shifting political alliances and pressures. The outcome was usually less flooding for somebody and more flooding for somebody else.  Back in the day Mississippi's politicians held their own in flood trading.  Mississippi didn't flood so much then.  Now it floods a lot.

Half done. Elam's book documented that cut offs worked. But cut offs were just half the solution. The other half was to get the floods to the sea. The other half got lost in the political flood trading. So the floods now speed to Mississippi, not the sea.  And the water stays in Mississippi's batture between the riverbank and the levees and hills for months now.  Over 75,000 acres south of Natchez has been flooded since last December.

The missing rest of the story is the outlet to the sea. It was supposed to be a channel running south west across Louisiana between Natchez and Baton Rouge and discharging near Morgan City - roughly where the Morganza floodway is now. It would increase the river's discharge to take the increased flow from the cut offs. It didn't happen. So the faster greater flow now backs up in Mississippi.

Ground Hog Day. The Corps raised the levees to contain the increased flow that can't get out to the sea. It has built a bigger next flood disaster. The higher the levees, the higher the floods, and the greater the destruction when a levee breaks.  We never learn.  We seem caught in a Ground Hog Day time warp. The history of the river has been bigger and higher levees and bigger and more destructive floods.

When the levee broke at Mounds Landing north of Greenville in 1927, it flooded over a million acres 10 feet deep in a matter of days.  Levees are higher now. Upriver development and runoff is greater now.  The river is shorter and the flow is faster now.  But it can't get out.  Something's got to give.  When one of the higher levees fails, there will be an even greater flood disaster.

Such a disaster could result from the recently completed $13 billion hurricane risk reduction project at New Orleans.  This is supposed to protect against storm water surges from the sea.  It includes stronger levees on the Mississippi as it meanders through New Orleans.  It also includes capacity to pump more water from the city's low-lying areas into the river. The river is already maxed out and can't discharge floods coming downstream now.

Stepped over a snake twice. The city almost flooded in 2011 and 2016.  Opening the Bonnet Carré spillway saved it.  The hurricane risk reduction project may actually increase river flood risk. It constricts the river and increases its load. New Orleans could flood despite the $13 billion project if a hurricane hits when the river is high.

And the river is high a lot now. It stays high much of the year. Two one-hundred year floods in five years. The next flood comes before the last flood drains. Why?  Because the only way more flow can get to the sea now (down the Atchafalaya via the Old River channel north of Baton Rouge) is limited by law. This 1964 law caps the flow down the Atchafalaya at a max of 30% of the main channel's flow. The Atchafalaya is the shortest and most direct route to the sea. It can handle more flow. 
.
A twofer. Increasing the flow year round (not just when floods threaten) would lower the water level in the main channel.  This would reduce flood risk at New Orleans. This would also reduce batture and backwater flooding.  Such flooding in Louisiana is not much of a problem because there's not much land in the batture from the Mississippi line to New Orleans.  And the river there receives just 70% of the upstream flow. There are 550,000 acres of batture upriver in Mississippi, however, which get 100% of the flow.  Its flooding is a big problem.  It impairs property values, limits farming and timber and oil and gas operations, prevents hunting and other recreational activities, and reduces related business and tax revenues.

So Louisiana politicians don't care much about batture flooding on the Mississippi. They do care about flooding New Orleans though.  Mississippi's politicians are learning about the problem and cost of Batture flooding and associated backwater flooding - which impacts another million acres.  Sending more flow down the Atchafalaya could moderate flooding both places.

What if Mississippi's politicians got fired up and got back in the flood trading game?  And worked a deal to speed the floods to the sea - all the way to the sea?

Kelley Williams, Chair – Bigger Pie Forum

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excellent article. John Barry's book Rising Tide should be required reading for everyone in Mississippi and Louisiana. It's a comprehensive study of Mississippi River flooding, specifically the 1927 flood and its lasting engineering, political and social impacts on the US. Reading this book on iPad while referring to google earth satellite imagery was amazing.

Anonymous said...

Engineers from Eads on down have been arguing about how to tame the mighty Mississippi for almost a century. Tributaries versus levees.

The solutions are not nearly as easy as this guy states because...well...weather. Nobody can predict weather.

So to claim one way is better than another is way too simplistic an approach...as proven by time.

Anonymous said...

@12:00. You just don't seem to understand! Let me xplne it to you......

Kelly Williams and Bigger Pie Forum know all the answers to any questions. Never any doubt.

Their solutions are always as easy as they state - because their logic is the only logic.

I truly admire Mr. Williams - always have. But, when he (or his ghost writers) get on a subject, they make it very simple. Understand them. Understand what they say. Accept no other version as being reasonable. Case settled.

The Mississippi River and its handling is one of the most interesting projects in our country's history. And granted, it has been mishandled many times over the past century and a half - more often than not because of political influence taking precedence over engineering analysis. But the differing engineering opinions as to how to tame this massive body of everchanging water are as varied as the political positions. Too bad Bigger Pie has not just gone to DC, explained to all the folks up there how simple the answer is if they would just listen to the folks that have the answers. Would have saved our country untold millions of dollars and allieved our sufferings.

P.S. You have to understand, though - Bigger Pie is an advertiser. Therefore, their opinion always gets postings.

Anonymous said...

Mother Nature has a little something to teach them.
Have you ever tried to pour two gallons of water in a one gallon bucket?
When you have no idea on how much water you can expect it is very hard to control it.

Anonymous said...

The problem with increasing flow down the Atchafalaya at the Old River Control Structure is that the Mississippi River would prefer to take the shorter route to the sea. In other words, the Mississippi River could decide that it would rather the bulk of its water down the Atchafalaya. This would devastate Morgan City and all of the petroleum industry. It would also destroy all the cities along the lower Mississippi, i.e., Baton Rouge and New Orleans. So be careful what you wish for. More flow down the Atchafalaya could create an epic disaster that would essentially destroy south Louisiana.

Anonymous said...

The notion that we can't predict Mother Nature is not exactly true.

We have a long record of her worst and usual and nicest behaviors so we should be able to be prepared to react to what Mother Nature does.

9:39 pm, are you saying that there is no way to improve the Old River Control structure or create other controls before the water reaches that control structure?

I have the sense that competing interests have long battled for dominancy on this issue rather than co-operated to solve the problems.

Anonymous said...

7:37, improving the river has not ever been the main objective. Finding a way to funnel tax payers money into a few politicians and their friend's pocket is the main objective.

Anonymous said...

The MS River does what it wants. Always has, always will. The more you try and channel it, the worse the floods will be. All of this channelization is killing the ecosystems from the South Delta to the Louisiana Marsh. Kingfish, I'm glad you're bringing this up. I have a piece of recreational land "behind the levee" that has been underwater pretty much since Thanksgiving. The big floods are happening more and more frequently and their severity is much worse. Something needs to be addressed and not by the Corps of Engineers. That's the dumbest bunch of people in contracting.

Anonymous said...

"Elam's book documented that cut offs worked."

We need to remember that there can be ripple effects to these efforts.

One of the negative consequences associated with the cut offs are the head cuts that are continuing to work their way up the tributary streams that flow into the MS River. These head cuts are continuing to widen & deepen streams for many miles upstream of their confluence with the MS, causing erosion of private land, and increased maintenance costs on bridges / roadways crossing these streams. Highway 33 bridge over the Homochitto River for instance is some 30 miles upstream of the MS. That bridge has been lengthened in the past and just recently had to be lengthened again. Not to mention the untold number of acres of land along these tributaries that have been gobbled up by this phenomenon.

One has to wonder, were we aware of these consequences in the '40's and chose to move ahead with the cutoff's or was this a surprise? Similarly, what are the consequences of sending more flow down the Atchafalaya that we're not aware of?





Anonymous said...

Kelly's work on the Kemper plant have been heroic. Everyone in the MS Power footprint should be very grateful.

Anonymous said...

@1:47 - yes Kelly, Ashby and all others that are heavily invested in natural gas should be grateful for Kelly's work. Let's forget that our tax dollars established his 'Bigger Pie' and that he is using that forum arguing against the use of tax dollars for private purposes. Minor detail.

Anonymous said...

"It would also destroy all the cities along the lower Mississippi, i.e., Baton Rouge and New Orleans."

9:39 - Are you suggesting that destroying Baton Rouge and all the associate corn dogs and possums would be a bad thing?

Anonymous said...

To the New Orleans native posting,

One has to wonder what would happen if we had let nature take it's "course."

One has to wonder what would happen if the Feds would have forced those New Orleans businessmen to reimburse (like they promised) those poor people they chose to flood in order to save their fair (investment) city.

One has to wonder what the benefit would be for all of the contaminated sediment to move further west in the Gulf, after being more filtered through the Atchafalaya.

One has to wonder how much taxpayer money would be saved by not maintaining the current broken system. Morganza?

One has to wonder why someone would talk about the Hwy 33 bridge as some sort of confirmation of cuts on the MS River causing damage, without any respect for natural erosion, much less the channel cutting and straightening of the Homochitto (Abernathy Channel, et al) and the scour associated with artificially altering the river course. Of course the Hwy 33 bridge collapsed during a flood in the 70's, it wasn't just lengthened. It had to be completely rebuilt.

Kingfish said...

I must respectfully disagree with Mr. Williams. The problem is allowing the river to go the the Atchafalaya Basin would be an economic disaster for the entire country, not just South Louisiana. Much of the nation depends on the port of New Orleans. How many refineries use that port? Again, it would be a disaster. 9:39 nailed it.



Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.