Conversation continues over Bonnet Carre Spillway
Tonight residents, local, and state representatives gathered at the St. Martin Community Center to express concerns, frustrations and possible solutions to the impacts of the Bonnet Carre Spillway opening.
“I mean, it’s definitely affecting everything in my life.”
Tuesday night, those who make their living on the Gulf Coast waters voiced their concerns surrounding the impacts of the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Charter company owner Neil Gryder said, “It’s not only the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It’s also affecting Louisiana Coast and also going into the Alabama Coast. The economic impact is a huge deal, but the environmental impact is an even bigger deal to me just with a charter company in South Louisiana and living here in South Mississippi.”
As of July 22nd, ten of the 168 open bays of the Bonnet Carre Spillway officially closed, but that leaves more than 150 open, allowing fresh water to continue to flow into the Mississippi Sound. Dr. Moby Solangi said, “It is worse than the BP oil spill.”
Dr. Solangi works at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. He says holding forums to hear from those most affected by the openings is a step in the right direction. “I think this will galvanize the support that is needed to make sure that we have a voice and we are able to make changes and because this is not for the livelihoods of thousands of people.”
“I mean, it’s affecting everything around here. It’s a huge deal for them to keep it up and let us all know what’s going on with what’s being impacted around here with the spillway.”
Others in attendance say this isn’t an ideal situation, but it could be somewhat of an opportunity. “Well, they can’t go into the right water now so maybe this is the time to enjoy the other aspects of the Coast. We have so much here. Think of spending the day at the museum, going along from countless museums up and down the Coast or spending a day just enjoying the drive from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. Why not take that time now to enjoy other aspects of this gorgeous Coast.”
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