Corps of Engineers closes and operates West Closure Complex for the first time for storm event

Published Aug. 29, 2012
Harvey Canal sector gate and Bayou Segnette sector gate also close
 
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Wednesday, August 29th, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed the West Closure Complex sector gate and the sluice gate drainage structure, and began operating the structure’s pumping station for the first time due to a storm event. Following operating procedures for closing key structures of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, the closure of gates at West Closure Complex, the Harvey sector gate and Bayou Segnette sector gate are the final key structure closures in the hurricane system.

As a result of the forecasted conditions, activity in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and other considerations, Col. Edward R. Fleming, New Orleans District commander, ordered the West Closure Complex gates, Harvey and Bayou Segnette to be closed at as an emergency response measure.

The Corps will continue to work closely with its Non-Federal sponsor (the State of Louisiana, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board), SLFPA-W, other Federal agencies, city and local parish officials, and navigation interests to reduce the risk to life and property and take the necessary actions to improve the public’s safety.

West Closure Complex key facts:
• A team located at the structure is responsible for operating the gates and utilizing the pumping station.   
• The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway–West Closure Complex (GIWW-WCC) has a 225-foot-wide navigable sector gate and 11 operable pumps with a maximum capacity of 19,140 cubic feet per second. Working in conjunction with the other structural features of the project, the complex is capable of reducing the risk associated with a tropical storm event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year, or a 100-year storm.
• Immediately after the gates are closed, the Corps utilizes the pump station to begin discharging water from these canals into the GIWW.

Harvey Canal Sector Gate:
• The gates took approximately 8 - 10 minutes to close. A three person team located at the structure is responsible for operating the gates and pumps.
• The Corps’ pumps currently have a maximum combined capacity of approximately 750 cubic feet per second at the Harvey Canal gate.

Bayou Segnette Complex (including Company Canal):
• Operational procedures at the Company Canal call for a closure of the barge gate once water levels reach two feet.
• Closing the sector gate at the canal takes approximately ten minutes. Upon its closure, water can be pumped around the gate.
• The Corps’ pumps currently have a maximum combined capacity of approximately 400 cubic feet per second at the Bayou Segnette pump station.


Contact
Rachel Rodi
504-862-2587
rachel.rodi@usace.army.mil
or
After Hours:
504-756-2811

Release no. 12-047