For Immediate Release: Sept. 16, 2008.
Contact: Chris Macaluso
(225) 229-2051
(225) 342-3968
chris.macaluso@la.gov

GOVERNOR JINDAL - HURRICANE IKE SITUATION REPORT
Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration/National Guard/US Army Corps of Engineers

COASTAL UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

St Tammany: No new information.

Tangipahoa: No new information

St Charles: No new information

St. Bernard: No new information.

Plaquemines: The coordinates for the two new breaches as a result of Hurricane Ike on the Citrus Lands non-federal levee are:
1) 29*33'25" - it is estimated to be 150-200 feet wide and the depth greater than 20 feet.
2) 29*35'05" - it is estimated to be 50 feet wide and the depth approximately 7 feet.
These updates are a result of an inquiry from Congressman Melancon's staff to Plaquemines Parish. The breaches that occurred as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike are NOT located in the vicinity of the breaches in the non-federal levees that occurred as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
LA National Guard is coordinating with local officials to assess locations for ferry operations to transport material form LA Hwy 23 to breaches using bridge building push boats and floating bridge components. Breaches could be sealed in this manner would alleviate need for helicopter assistance.
Majority of pumping capacity engaged to unwater area, however, there are two large Dutch pumps to assist, have requested Dutch engineer (prior to Gustav) to translate pump instructions to engage these pumps.

Orleans/Jefferson: Lafitte, Barataria, Crown Point still 1 ft to 2 ft of water across those areas. No power also.
Army Corps has not opened the Harvey Canal Lock, waiting for water levels to drop.

Lafitte: Mayor reports pumping capacity to unwater area should all be 100 percent on line by this evening.

Grand Isle: 2 feet of water remain in Chenier subdivision, unwatering engaged.

Assumption: No new information

Lafourche: LA National Guard is continuing mission for helicopters drop of sandbags near the Al Robichaux canal to prevent water from going over the levee. This mission (18527) will be done concurrent with mission (17490), see below Terrebonne Parish. The LA National Guard will remain on site until the missions are complete. This section not as critical as yesterday due to water receding. Still a concern will be second priority after Terrebonne Pump Station mission is complete.
Gheens Hyland Drive Levee overtopped, water going toward reservoir. Corps providing assistance with equipment has the necessary resources in place to address problem.

Terrebonne: LA National Guard is continuing mission for helicopter/s drop of sandbags near the Clinton Street Pump Station. This mission (17490) will be done concurrent with mission (18527), see above Lafourche Parish report. 30 percent of available pumping capacity to unwater Terrebonne on line will have 100 percent on line by tomorrow. Strategic cuts made in levee to assist unwatering, will close and engage remaining pumps when water levels equalize. Water issues over access roads hampering pump placement.

St. Mary: Water has receded three feet in the Parish. Three roads closed - Highway 318 to 83; Highway 317; and Highway 90 Morgan City to Garden City.

Iberia: No new information.

Vermilion: Low lying areas still flooded south of LA 14. Water is slowly receding.

St Martin: No new information

Calcasieu: No new information

Cameron: Water is receding but is still over Highway 27 West. High water vehicles are able to get in. Highway 27 east is passable to Cameron.

Jefferon Davis Parish: No new information

Tangipahoa: No new information

--30--

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority's mandate is to develop, implement and enforce a comprehensive coastal protection and restoration master plan. For the first time in Louisiana's history, this single state authority will integrate coastal restoration and hurricane protection by marshalling the expertise and resources of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation and Development, and other state agencies, to speak with one clear voice for the future of Louisiana's coast. Working with federal, state and local political subdivisions, including levee districts, the CPRA will work to establish a safe and sustainable coast that will protect our communities, the nation's critical energy infrastructure, and our bountiful natural resources for generations to come. The CPRA of Louisiana was established by Act 8 of the 1st Extraordinary Session of 2005.