Effects of the Bonnet Carré Spillway Openings on the Mississippi Sound

The Lower Mississippi River basin has recently experienced more frequent and intense flooding. As a result, the Bonnet Carré Spillway, located north of New Orleans, has been opened more regularly to manage. The influx of freshwater has significantly reduced the salinity of the Mississippi Sound, while also introducing high levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from agricultural runoff in the upper Mississippi River. This paper investigates the relationship between the Bonnet Carré Spillway openings and changes in the Mississippi Sound’s water quality. Specifically, we analyze data on precipitation, salinity, and water depth from 2016 to 2023 to identify patterns and correlations between spillway operations, salinity levels, and sedimentation. The Bonnet Carré Spillway plays a critical role in flood control but can significantly impact on the hydrology and ecology of the Mississippi Sound when activated. Through this analysis, our research seeks to enhance understanding of how human interventions, such as spillway openings, affect the balance of coastal water ecosystems.