Flood Protection

Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

According to FEMA's Protecting Floodplain Resources: A Guidebook for Communities, "the recognized benefits of a naturally functioning floodplain include the storage and conveyance of flood waters, the recharging of groundwater, the maintenance of surface water quality, and the provision of habitats for fish and wildlife. These areas also provide diverse recreational opportunities. scenic value, and a source of community identity and pride" (1996, p. 1).

There are many ways to protect natural floodplain functions, including:

• Keeping areas of the floodplain in their natural state
• Preventing dumping in the floodplain
• Preserving natural drainage
• Controlling runoff
• Protecting wildlife habitats
• Requiring erosion control in new development

Why do we need to manage stormwater and polluted runoff in "Louisiana's Bayou Country"?

Terrebonne Parish controls the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of floodwaters under the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The natural areas map shows the waterways and wildlife management areas in Terrebonne Parish.

Approximately 85% of Terrebonne Parish is water or wetlands. Generally from north to south, the wetlands include fresh marsh, intermediate brackish marsh, and salt marsh near the coast line. These marshes are intertwined with hundreds of lakes, bays, bayous, and canals. Some of the more notable water bodies within the parish include:

• Bayou Black
• Bayou Dularge
• Bayou Grand Caillou
• Bayou Petit Caillou
• Bayou Terrebonne
• Houma Navigation Channel
• Intracoastal Waterway

These bayous are significant as they have historically provided the land-building sediment that created the highest areas of the parish. The sediment was deposited during annual flooding cycles of Bayou Lafourche on the Lafourche delta lobe. It is upon these finger-like ridges that all urban and agriculture land exist in the parish today.

How can you help?

Erosion control on projects can help prevent sedimentation of flood paths. Report broken sediment fences or projects without a sediment fence to the Permit Office.

Dumping in the floodplain can clog the drainage system. Call the Terrebonne Parish Solid Waste Division at (985) 873-6761 if you see illegal dumping.