The Flood Control Solution

Bonnet Carré Spillway is a man-made structure, designed to divert floodwaters from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain at times of high water. The spillway spans 7,000 feet and has 350 bays, each 20 feet wide. The structure is an engineering marvel, helping maintain the river's height and prevent flooding in New Orleans. I compared this spillway with similar structures I have visited around the world, and the difference in size and scale was particularly impressive. In addition, I learned about the impact of the spillway on the environment and the natural habitat of the area. The spillway provides an example of the delicate balance between flood control and ecological preservation.