Corps deactivates Phase II flood fight

Published Aug. 7, 2015
Corps deactivates Phase II flood fight
Phase I flood fight continues


NEW ORLEANS – Water levels along the Mississippi River continue to drop, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deactivate Phase II flood fight inspections, however Phase I flood fight procedures will continue until the river at Carrollton gauge falls below 11 feet.

Phase I procedures consist of working with local levee authorities to closely monitor the levees along the Mississippi River. Inspections on the Mississippi River levees Baton Rouge and below on the east bank and Donaldsonville and below on the west bank will commence this week and continue twice weekly until the water level drops below 11 feet at the Carrollton gauge.

This is a proactive measure that is triggered when the Mississippi River rises above 11. The increased patrols help to ensure that the Army Corps can respond quickly to any problem areas that develop along the levee system because of the elevated water levels.

The water level at the Carrollton gauge was 14.5 feet at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Levee restrictions during high water

The Army Corps and State of Louisiana have established allowable distances for certain types of work that can adversely affect the integrity of the federal levees and structures. All work that may impact Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) levees, which includes transport of heavy loads over the levee, disturbance of grass cover, or subsurface work within 1,500 feet of the levee, is prohibited when the Mississippi River is higher than 11 feet at the Carrollton gauge in New Orleans. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on many factors, including surrounding subsurface ground conditions.

Permit holders are advised to contact their local levee districts for detailed information and to monitor river stages and forecasts by calling 504-862-2461 or checking www.rivergages.com and/or http://www2.mvn.usace.army.mil/eng/edhd/dailystagedisplay.asp. 
 


Contact
Rene Poche
(504) 862-1767
Rene.G.Poche@usace.army.mil

Release no. 15-044