Bayport, Louisiana

We at DABS Incorporated were hired to provide information for the city of Bayport, Louisiana.

What is the current situation in Bayport?

Erosion is the wearing away of earth surface materials. Erosional processes loosen, dissolve, and redistribute rocks, sediments, and soils. Impacting waves on the shoreline are breaking down the western coastline by kinetic action. Another process affecting Bayport is longshore drift, which refers to the movement of waves causing sediment to have a net transport parallel to shore. Sea level rise is causing an advancing shoreline that is affecting areas of Bayport previously untouched by the Gulf Coast.

An example of what could happen to Bayport's coast if the erosion problem goes unsolved:

Brandon Miller conducted the first case study by traveling to Bangladesh, a densely populated country in southern Asia, many times to study the erosional crisis. The nation’s coastline demonstrates current and potential adverse effects that widespread erosion has. In Bangladesh, erosion has led to the destruction of local biodiversity, agricultural/economic damage, and the displacement of local residents. If left untouched, Bayport could experience silimar destruction.

Defense methods that worked:

This second case study analyzes the abatement methods that may be useful for the city of Bayport. Daniel Rogney previously worked in the Netherlands, a nation bordering the North Sea. This nation is also affected by coastal erosion. The Netherlands has implemented innovative techniques towards coastal defense; embankments, barriers, dunes, and dams have been implemented. Additionally, sand is distributed along the coastline from surrounding areas by dredging. A coastal management policy defends against the inland retreat of the coastline. Similar techniques could be implemented to stop Bayport's coasal erosion hazard.

Bayport's future:

Our goal is to provide useful recommendations critical to the survival of Bayport's coast. By applying the above case studies to the current hazardous conditions in Bayport, a solution can be found. We hope to work with city officials as well as local engineers and contractors to stabilize the shore and prevent further damage to the property along the shore.