(Bayou Teche, La) Many residents and visitors may notice a drop in water levels in the Bayou Teche in the coming days, but no need for concern. According to Cecil Knott, Supervisor of the Teche-Vermillion Pumping Station in Krotz Springs, La, “The Army Corps of Engineers has the Teche-Vermillion Pumping Station stop pumping to lower the elevation in Bayou Courtableau (which feeds Bayou Teche) in order to work on the Darbonne Control Structure.”
The Teche-Vermilion Freshwater District Board of Commissioners was created as a unique joint cooperative agreement of the federal, state, and local governments. The historical flow of water from the Atchafalaya River via Bayou Courtableau to the Bayou Teche and Vermilion River basins was cut off by protection levees built after the flood of 1927.
Knott said, “The work should be complete in a few days and pumping will resume as soon as their work is complete.”
Paddling the newest National Water Trail is a great way to experience your own back yard. The Bayou Teche Paddle Trail offers paddles as short as one hour to a three-day journey down its 135 miles, with 13 access points, paddling downstream or up-steam for you fitness buffs, is just a short drive away.
Bayou Operations Coordinator, Dane Thibodeaux advises to “go out and enjoy the bayou, but to be aware of logs or other debris that may be present now due to the lower water levels.”
If you would like to learn more about the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail please visit their website at www.techeproject.org To report litter or debris on the Bayou Teche, please contact Dane Thibodeaux at techeproject@gmail.com
