Corps seeks input on environmental mitigation for East and West Banks

Published May 11, 2010

NEW ORLEANS – At five upcoming public meetings, the Corps is scheduled to seek input from the public on ways to mitigate for impacts from the construction of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System.

"Construction projects on the East and West Banks are reducing risk from hurricane and storm surge damage and the Corps has committed to avoid, minimize, and mitigate for environmental impacts resulting from these projects," said Sohelia Holley, senior project manager. "These public meetings are intended to inform the public of the project impacts and get their input regarding environmental mitigation efforts."

The meetings will begin with a brief presentation on construction projects in the area and the mitigation process in general. After each presentation, Corps staff will take questions, suggestions and ideas from the public about where and how best to mitigate. Ideas for projects to be considered for mitigation will be documented in an Individual Environmental Report, which will be available for public review. Ongoing development of the mitigation program will include regular updates to the public on its progress.

Meeting details are listed below:

Meeting 1

When Thursday, May 13, 2010

Presentation 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Open house/discussion 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What West Bank and Vicinity Mitigation IER public meeting

This meeting will cover the impacts generated from the construction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway West Closure Complex, Eastern Tie-In project and Harvey to Westwego Levee.

Where Delgado Community College Westbank Campus - Algiers

2600 General Meyer Ave.

Rm 130 Auditorium

New Orleans, LA 70114

Meeting 2

When Monday, May 17, 2010

Presentation 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Open house/discussion 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What West Bank and Vicinity Mitigation IER public meeting

This meeting will cover the impacts generated from the construction of the Harvey to Westwego Levee, Lake Cataouatche Levee, Company Canal Floodwall and Western Tie-In project.

Where Westwego Ernest Tassin Senior Center

701 4th St.

Westwego, LA 70094

-more-

Meeting 3

When Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Presentation 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Open house/discussion 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Mitigation IER public meeting

This meeting will cover the impacts generated from the construction of the Bayou Dupre Control Structure, Caernarvon Floodwall and Chalmette Loop Levee, and the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Surge Barrier – Lake Borgne.

Where St. Bernard NP Trist Middle School

1 Pirates Cove

Meraux, LA 70075

Meeting 4

When Monday, May 24, 2010

Presentation 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Open house/discussion 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Mitigation IER public meeting

This meeting will cover the impacts generated from the construction of the levees and floodwalls in metro New Orleans, New Orleans East and the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Surge Barrier – Lake Borgne and Seabrook.

Where New Orleans East Resurrection of Our Lord Elementary School

4861 Rosalia Dr.

New Orleans, LA 70127

Meeting 5

When Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Presentation 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Open house/discussion 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Mitigation IER public meeting

This meeting will cover the impacts generated from the construction of the La Branche Wetlands Levee, West Return Floodwall, Jefferson Parish Lakefront Levee and Causeway Bridge Floodwall.

Where St. Charles American Legion Post 366

12188 River Rd.

St. Rose, LA 70087

Questions or comments concerning Individual Environmental Reports or the Corps’ environmental processes should be addressed to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Patricia Leroux

P.O. Box 60267

New Orleans, LA 70160-0267

Phone: 504-862-1544

Fax: 504-862-2088

E-mail: MVNenvironmental@usace.army.mil

For more information, please visit the following Web site: www.nolaenvironmental.gov.

Release no. 10-081