NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers re-released the Upper Barataria Louisiana – Feasibility Study with Integrated Environmental Impact Statement for a 45-day public review and comment period.
The new report proposes a 30.6-mile alignment built to the current Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction specifications at a project elevation of 14 feet, relative to current ground conditions, from Luling to Raceland. The new proposal still includes a 270-foot barge gate across Bayou Des Allemands, which would be closed during tropical events. The system outlined in this report would provide a minimum of 100-year level of risk reduction, or a storm surge that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.
Through the feasibility study process a Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) was identified from an array of alternatives for further development and design. The TSP for this study, released in November 2019, planned for a 50-year levee system spanning 18.3 miles with an elevation of 7.5 feet. Modeling of the study area, both with and without the proposed TSP system, provided new data used in the development and recalibration of the report to an updated plan of a 100-year system.
The study’s purpose is to evaluate potential alternatives to reduce the risk to human life, health, and safety; reduce flood and economic impacts to structures, evacuation routes, and critical infrastructure; and increase community resiliency before, during, and after flooding events.
The general public, interested parties, and stakeholders are invited to comment on the re-release of the report. The report contains a description of the project, an evaluation of the alternatives under consideration, and an analysis of potential environmental impacts. All public comments received will be addressed and considered accordingly as part of the continued development of the Recommended Plan.
The report, 404(b), and supporting information is available online at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District website: www.mvn.usace.army.mil/About/Projects/BBA-2018/studies/Upper-Barataria-Louisiana/
The Corps will host virtual public meetings to receive public comments; time and location to follow in subsequent media release and advertisements. Written comments on the draft feasibility study and integrated environment impact statement will be through Jan. 25, 2021.
These comments should be directed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District
c/o Danielle A Keller
CEMVN–PM–B
7400 Leake Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Comments can also be submitted electronically to the following
UpperBaratariaFS@usace.army.mil
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