Corps releases environmental document for review Public meeting to discuss Westbank risk reduction scheduled for Jan. 12, 2011

Published Dec. 27, 2010

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The US Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District Protection Restoration Office, has released Individual Environmental Report 12/13 Supplemental entitled, “Harvey and Algiers Canals and Levee and Floodwalls, Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes/Hero Canal Levee and Eastern Tie-In, Plaquemines Parish” for 30-day public review.

The document proposes construction of a 12” diameter waterline from near Hwy 23 to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway West Closure Complex project site in Plaquemines Parish. The waterline would provide the water necessary to operate and maintain the GIWW West Closure Complex in regular and emergency conditions, should they occur.

A public meeting to discuss the proposed action described in IER 12/13 Supplemental and upcoming traffic detours generated by construction of the Eastern Tie-In project at Hwy 23 in Oakville will be held Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011. The meeting details are:

When: Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

Informational Open House 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Presentation and discussion 6:30 p.m.

Where: St. Paul Benevolent Association Hall

128 E. St. Peter St.

Oakville, LA 70037

The GIWW West Closure Complex is approximately 65 percent complete and is the key risk reduction feature on the Westbank. It reduces risk for residents and businesses in Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes. The Eastern Tie-In project connects the West Bank & Vicinity Hurricane System to the Mississippi River Levees in Oakville. Traffic detours necessary to build the Eastern Tie-In at Hwy 23 are scheduled to begin in late January 2011.

The IER 12/13 Supplemental document is currently available for comment at www.nolaenvironmental.gov, hard copies may be requested by writing mvnenvironmental@usace.army.mil. The deadline to submit comments is Jan. 20, 2011.

The IER environmental process allows the Corps to expedite the environmental review required of all federally funded projects while fully complying with the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act. The Corps encourages the public to provide written comments on IERs by mail, e-mail or by visiting www.nolaenvironmental.govat any time throughout the comment period.

Questions or comments concerning proposed actions should be addressed to:

Patricia Leroux

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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 or to sign up to be on a public meeting notification list please visit the following Web site: www.nolaenvironmental.gov.

Contact
Ricky Boyett
504-862-1524
ricky.d.boyett@usace.army.mil

Release no. 10-001