Corps closes London Avenue Outfall Canal gates

Published March 22, 2012

NEW ORLEANS – As a result of water reaching the operational trigger of 2.5 ft. and rising at the London Avenue Canal, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began closing the Outfall Canal Interim Closure Structure gates today at 4:30 p.m.

 

The gates take about 50 minutes to close and, once closed, we can begin pumping water from the canal into the lake. A three person team located at the structure is responsible for operating the gates and pumps from the safe room. Additional Corps personnel are embedded with the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to coordinate pumping operations.

"We will work closely with the Sewerage and Water Board," stated Mike Stack, Chief of the New Orleans District Emergency Management. "This coordination allows us to maximize drainage capacity and reduce the risk of flooding."

The Corps’ pumps have a maximum combined capacity of 5,200 cubic feet per second at the London Avenue Canal.


Contact
Ricky Boyett
504-862-1524
ricky.d.boyett@usace.army.mil
or
After Hours:
504-756-2811

Release no. 12-010