Engineer presents detailed modeling showing water backing up into residents' yards

BRUSLY — A comprehensive drainage study presented to the town council last Monday night revealed significant flooding issues in the Elaine Street and New Orleans Quarters area, with computer modeling showing water backing up into residents' yards during heavy rain events.

Engineer Toby Fruge of Bowen & White presented animated hydraulic modeling that traced water flow patterns during various storm scenarios, pinpointing problem areas where undersized culverts and blocked drainage paths force water to seek alternative routes through private property.

25-Year Storm Creates Worst Case

The study found that a 25-year, six-hour storm producing six inches of rain creates the most severe flooding in the area—a pattern Fruge called "unique" compared to typical drainage systems.

"That six-hour quick rain is what's really hitting this area," Fruge explained to the council. "That long 24-hour rain where it rains seven to nine inches does some flooding, but it's that six-hour quick rain that's the problem."

The computer modeling showed water depths of six inches to over a foot in flooded areas, with the animation revealing how water flows around houses when it cannot enter the subsurface drainage system.

Development Impact on Drainage

The study highlighted how the New Orleans Quarters subdivision development created unintended consequences for surrounding drainage. While the developer properly retained water within the subdivision as required, the retention ponds effectively blocked historical drainage patterns that affected neighboring properties.

"He did his job—he's retaining all his water," Mayor Scot Rhodes noted. "But he blocked everybody else coming here that used to drain that way."

Council members questioned whether the town's development review process adequately considers impacts on existing drainage systems. The discussion revealed potential gaps in requiring developers to demonstrate how their projects affect water flow to adjacent properties.

Specific Problem Areas Identified

The modeling identified several critical bottlenecks:

• East side flow paths: Water cannot adequately enter three small drainage inlets, forcing overflow around houses
• Undersized culverts: A system that reduces from 36-inch pipes to 18-inch pipes upstream creates backups
• Subsurface limitations: Small catch basins fill with debris, causing water to flow over rather than through the system
• Tonton Canal impact: High water levels in the canal affect drainage capacity, though mainly in the front portion of the affected area

Several residents attended and identified their properties on the modeling display, with some noting they experience flooding "all the time" during heavy rains.

Solutions Under Development

Fruge will spend the next few months analyzing potential solutions, including:

• Upsizing undersized culverts
• Creating bypass channels for overwhelmed areas
• Expanding open ditches where possible
• Installing additional cross-drains under roads

"I'm going to start looking at finding those culverts that are really undersized and see if we can make them bigger," Fruge said. "Culverts are the biggest restriction when it comes to drainage networks."

The engineer emphasized he won't recommend improvements that solve problems for some residents while creating new flooding issues for others.

Timeline and Next Steps

Fruge requested several months to develop comprehensive recommendations, calling the project his "hot item" with high priority. He plans to return with modeling showing proposed improvements and their effectiveness.

The town has budgeted some funds for drainage improvements, though officials acknowledged the amount falls short of what comprehensive solutions may require.

Other Council Business

New Work Management System

The council authorized Mayor Rhodes to sign a contract with iWorks for a new digital work order and business license management system. The $10,000 annual cost will replace the current system of spreadsheets, text messages, and emails for tracking public works requests.

Public Works Director Shane Sarradet said the integrated system will provide better documentation and allow future administrations to track project histories.

Audit Services Approved

Council members approved Baxley & Associates to conduct both the town's regular annual audit (not to exceed $13,000) and a required single audit for federal expenditures (not to exceed $10,000). The single audit is required because the town spent over $750,000 in federal funds through the sewer project.

Part-Time Police Officer Hired

The council hired Sharon Majoria as a part-time police officer at $22 per hour, effective immediately. Majoria brings 20 years of law enforcement experience and graduated from the Louisiana Police Academy in 2000. The hiring fills a gap created by an officer's departure.

Park Tournament Approvals

Three fundraising softball tournaments received approval to serve alcohol at Alexander Park:

• Brusly High School Alumni Tournament
• Carly Joe Foundation Memorial Tournament (July 18)
• Gill Foundation Tournament (August 19-20)

The parish requires the town's approval before issuing permits for alcohol sales at park events.

Employee Recognition

Mayor Rhodes recognized Eric Colkey for 20 years of service as the town's main sewer system operator, praising long-term employees who provide continuity in municipal operations.

Upcoming Events

The town will participate in the West Baton Rouge Community Health and Resource Fair Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Allen Community Center. Mayor Rhodes will also attend a Louisiana Economic Development meeting with Hyundai officials regarding the new Donaldsonville plant expected to create 1,300 jobs.

The next Landmark and Heritage meeting is scheduled for July 21st at 6:30 p.m.