NEW ORLEANS, LA – Safety is the Corps’ number one priority. This holiday weekend, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District Commander, Colonel Edward Fleming, reminds citizens that the primary purpose of the Bonnet Carre Spillway is flood control and that areas in the spillway should not be used for recreation while the structure is in operation.
“The Corps, the U.S. Coast Guard and our partners are working together to fight the Mississippi River flood,” said Mike Stack, Chief of Emergency Management. “Public safety is our top priority and we have approximately 293,000 cubic feet of water per second from the Mississippi River currently flowing through the spillway into Lake Pontchartrain. Any boating or other water-based activities in the area of the spillway are extremely unsafe.”
The U.S. Coast Guard oversees regulation of water-based activities. The operation of the spillway structure has prompted the Coast Guard to declare a safety zone in Lake Pontchartrain at the spillway.
“The safety zone is needed to protect people and vessels from the potential safety hazards of the Bonnet Carre Spillway flow,” said LT Brian Sattler, U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans. “It is unlawful and unsafe to recreate near the spillway.”
Failure to comply with the safety zone is punishable by a fine of up to $32,500. Willful violation of this order is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and up to five years of possible imprisonment.
Recreational access to the spillway will return once the Mississippi River water levels have subsided and the Corps has deemed it safe. Visitors are allowed to view the spillway at project office, located at 16302 River Rd in Norco, LA.
Release no. 11-054