DESTREHAN – An important drainage canal on the east bank of St. Charles Parish is undergoing stabilization work to prevent further erosion of back yards in Destrehan.

Parish officials said the Dunleith Canal, which moves storm water runoff from River Road to pumping stations south of Ormond Subdivision and out to culverts under Airline Highway, is suffering an erosion problem on its banks. The erosion is affecting back yards of several residents living along Dunleith Drive in Ormond

St. Charles Public Information Officer Renee Simpson said a project is underway to stabilize the banks of the canal to prevent further land loss. She said contractors with Advanced Quality Construction are installing about 600 linear feet of vinyl sheet pile along the bank. The parish council approved the project in August at a cost of $614,282.

Simpson said the erosion is not just affecting back yards. She said parish utilities maintain power lines along the bank. She said once the area between the current slope and sheet pile is refilled, it will make it easier and safer for Entergy crews to maintain the lines.

Simpson said the project is about 75 percent complete, with a contracted working time of 90 days. The project should be complete in the early part of December.

To view photos of the ongoing construction, be sure to visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/photos. A video segment on this project is coming soon to the parish YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/stcharlesgov.