Alternatives to plugging the crevasse include conduits beneath the levee or a bridge over the gap. These moves would buy time while scientists determine the pros and cons of this “free” diversion project and its potential impact on other projects planned as part of the struggle to rebuild a vanishing coast.
Category: Environment
Posted inEnvironment
Local officials losing sleep over weakest link in post-Katrina flood defense
The huge barge has to be moved into place and sunk in order to seal the system from storm surge sweeping into Lake Borgne from the Gulf of Mexico, a process that takes more than nine hours and must begin four days before a hurricane strike is expected. In repeated tests, the barrier has yet to function reliably.
Posted inEnvironment
Coast reclamation advocates warn fight over how to spend BP fines far from over
Coastal restoration costs in Louisiana could devour BP fines in their entirety, but competing interests and other Gulf states are certain to eat into the RESTORE Act funds.
Posted inEnvironment, Investigations
Forces collide as nature takes a stab at saving a coastal marsh — for free
When the swollen Mississippi broke through to feed a marsh during Carnival 2011, it seemed to some like an alternative to the multi-million-dollar man-made diversion planned nearby. But conflicting views over whether to let ‘Mardi Gras Pass’ run wild are a perfect example of how complex coastal restoration issues can be.
Posted inEnvironment
State officials criticize $60 million BP donation deal, warn of precedent
Louisiana’s treasurer and legislative auditor say a BP donation to two nonprofit groups was an improper arrangement because the state ultimately controlled how the money was spent — so the state Legislature should have had a say in the deal. However, an attorney general’s opinion from 2010 said the terms were proper.
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion
New group makes timely debut in fight against lead poisoning
The link between lead poisoning and crime is a mystery that none of the usual hypotheses — such as “get tough” police laws — can explain.
Posted inEnvironment
Top state official rebuts dire warning, insists coast can be saved
Garret Graves, Louisiana’s coastal protection czar, contends that scientists behind a shockingly gloomy federal report are “just misinformed.” He said the state’s master plan allows for adaptation as conditions change.
Posted inEnvironment, Investigations
New research: Louisiana coast faces highest rate of sea-level rise worldwide
New technology has revealed that southeast Louisiana is sinking faster than previously known. Combined with rising seas due to global warming, a leading scientist says waters will rise “at least four feet.” With more communities closer to open water, even minor hurricanes could cause catastrophic damage.
Posted inEnvironment, Investigations
Funding crisis looms for $14 billion hurricane protection system
The agency responsible for maintaining the multibillion-dollar flood protection system can’t afford the $34 million annual bill, and possible solutions are blocked by state and congressional politics. “We’ll soon be facing a $600 million question,” says John Barry, vice president of the South Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East.
Posted inEnvironment
Ivor van Heerden, LSU settle wrongful termination lawsuit
Van Heerden credits a column by The Lens’ Jed Horne with helping to push LSU to settle.