Continued coastal land loss in Louisiana could cost the economy tens of billions dollars a year.
Author Archives: Bob Marshall
From 2013 to 2017, Bob Marshall covered environmental issues for The Lens, with a special focus on coastal restoration and wetlands. While at The Times-Picayune, his work chronicling the people, stories and issues of Louisiana
Posted inEnvironment
Katrina helped usher in an acceptance and use of green infrastructure
Before the storm, ideas like “conservation” and “holistic planning” were about as Nu Awlins as grilled tofu and kale burgers. But having your home marinate in 5 feet of water can influence your thinking. Now, discussing and acting on water management ideas is as accepted as parking your car on the neutral ground during heavy thunderstorms.
Posted inEnvironment
BP settlement brings unprecedented money to coastal restoration efforts
Provisions in federal law and the $20.8 billion court agreement say that most of Louisiana’s expected $8 billion influx has to be spent on restoration of environment. That allays long-held fears the big payday would set off a feeding frenzy among politicians for projects unrelated to the coast.
Posted inEnvironment
State coastal authority OKs two diversions, but construction unlikely for three years
Two other breaks in the levee farther downriver rejected because of lack of sediment.
Posted inEnvironment
Details of BP settlement show oil spill caused trillions of marine wildlife deaths
Damages to natural resources amounted to $8.3 billion of $20.8 billion agreement.
Posted inEnvironment
Date set for final decision on construction of river diversion, as research continues
State coastal authority to decide whether to begin work on controversial method for building land.
Posted inEnvironment
Experts: Talk now about drastic changes, or deal with coastal crisis later
The mouth of the Mississippi River should be moved north and communities downriver eventually will have to be abandoned if other parts of southeast Louisiana are to have a future into the next century. Those were among the more startling recommendations proposed by the teams of coastal engineering and sustainability experts from around the world.
Posted inEnvironment
River levees doing double duty, but differing standards gives feds a break
Taxpayers in three parishes likely to pick up a cost once paid by Army Corps of Engineers.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Katrina’s deadly lessons led to improvements in evacuation process
Today when a hurricane turns toward the Louisiana coast, it kicks off a comprehensive $2.5-million-per day evacuation system designed to move up to 46,000 residents who lack transportation from New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. It will use as many a 700 chartered highway coaches as well as airliners. And yes, pets are included in the plan.
Posted inEnvironment
Best-ever levee system is here to protect property, not lives, experts warn
Of all the questions being asked about New Orleans’ progress 10 years after the disaster that killed nearly 1,500 residents and clouded its future, the most persistent has been this: Is it safer now? Interviews with storm experts resulted in answers filled with caveats. The best summation: It’s safer for houses, but not necessarily for the people who live in them.