Corps to discuss refinements to Western Tie-In project

Published June 25, 2010

Public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, 2010

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Corps is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, June 29, at Cytec Industries’ Tom Call Pavilion, 10800 River Rd, in Waggaman, to discuss proposed refinements to the Western Tie-In risk reduction project. The proposed refinements are described in draft Individual Environmental Report Supplemental 16.a which is currently available for public review and comment through July 24, 2010.

“Our project team continues to refine the project design to ensure we construct the system as safely and efficiently as possible,” said Jeff Williams, project manager.

The Western Tie-In project, once complete, will reduce the risk of storm surge from a tropical event with a 1 percent chance of occurrence in any given year for residents living in St. Charles and Jefferson parishes. The public meeting begins with an informational open house from 6 to 6:30 p.m. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion period.

Refinements proposed in the draft environmental document include:

• Relocating utilities near the project construction site

• Degrading a section of the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Guide Levee to re-use the clay in the new hurricane system levee and improve water exchange to about 60 acres of wetlands near the project site

• Replacing the Hwy 90 pump station to maintain drainage in the project area

• Adding bank stabilization elements to specific risk reduction features

• Converting a detour road into a permanent inspection and maintenance road for the bridge over the floodway on Hwy 90

• Constructing a ramp instead of a floodgate at LA 18 (River Rd) at the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion

The Corps will discuss the proposed modifications at a public meeting on Tuesday, June 29, 2010.

Meeting details are:

When: Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Open house 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Presentation and discussion 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Cytec’s Tom Call Pavilion

10800 River Rd.

Waggaman, LA 70094

Copies of IER Supplemental 16.a are available for download at www.nolaenvironmental.govor by contacting the Corps.

Questions or comments concerning the Western Tie-In project should be addressed to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

c/o Public Affairs

PO Box 60267

New Orleans, LA 70160-0267

Phone: 504-862-2201

Fax: 504-862-1724

E-mail: AskTheCorps@usace.army.mil

For more information on the Western Tie-In project visit www.mvn.usace.army.milor www.nolaenvironmental.gov.

Contact
Rene Poche
504-862-1767
rene.g.poche@usace.army.mil

Release no. 10-066