NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Saturday, October 5th, at 5:00pm, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed the Harvey Canal sector gate, which is located on the west bank of Jefferson Parish. This structure was operated as part of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System and in accordance with its water control manual.
As a result of the forecasted conditions from Tropical Storm Karen, activity in the impacted waterways and other considerations, Col. Richard Hansen, New Orleans District commander, ordered the Harvey Canal sector gate to be closed as an emergency response measure.
Closures were conducted in coordination with the Non-Federal sponsor (the State of Louisiana, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board), SLFPA-West, the impacted parishes, navigation industry and other stakeholders.
The Corps will continue to work closely with its Non-Federal, 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.
Harvey Canal Sector Gate:
· The gates take approximately 8 - 10 minutes to close. A 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.
Release no. 13-068