Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

Protect Natural Floodplain Functions by Treating our Water Systems Well

A floodplain can be a valuable community resource. Not only can open floodplains store floodwaters which minimize flood damage, the natural vegetation of a floodplain can also filter pollutants from stormwater and improve our water quality.

Gretna is surrounded by the Mississippi river and canals; therefore, we must use drainage canals to remove stormwater into the surrounding waterways. Stormwater carries untreated water runoff directly into our storm drains which leads to waterways and impacts our environment.

City ordinance (Chapter 28, Section 28-1) states it is illegal to dump debris such as trash, oil, grease, or other pollutants in catch basins, drainage ditches, or canals. Do not dump anything into any portion of the City’s drainage system as debris can cause the drainage system to malfunction and increase flooding.

The City of Gretna Department of Public Works has a drainage system maintenance program. You can help minimize flooding by cleaning catch basins in front of your property when they start to look like this.

Not only is it important to keep our canals free flowing, we must also consider the quality of our waterways as they provide our drinking water and affect the health of our seafood, frogs, and other wildlife that live in our waterways and provide us with food and recreation.

Contact Public Works if you have any questions or need to report illegal dumping.