New Orleans Repeats Deadly Levee Blunders
Geologic Hazards
50th Anniversary of San Fernando Earthquake
I posted about the 10th anniversary of the Christchurch Earthquake, but there was another notable earthquake anniversary recently…the 50th anniversary of the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. Khaled Chowdhury from the US Army Corps of Engineers […]
Press Releases
New Costs for New Orleans 100-Year Hurrican Protection
Corps Releases New Risk Maps for the New Orleans Area;
Powell Releases New Costs for 100-Year Hurricane Protection
Administration to work with Congress for additional drainage measures beyond 100-year commitment
NEW ORLEANS (August 22, 2007) – Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Donald E. Powell and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Director of Civil Works Maj. General Don T. Riley today detailed the improved hurricane protection that will be provided to New Orleans area residents once the city’s levees are built to the 100-year level. In addition, Powell announced $6.3 billion of further funding needed for improved protection for the New Orleans area and the Administration’s plan to secure necessary funds to complete the work by 2011.
[Editor] Photo by greenmannowar [/Editor]
Project Related
Video: Sand Filled Geotextile Tubes To Protect Grand Isle Louisiana
In this ENR.com video, a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project to protect Grand Isle Louisiana from the erosional effects of a large storm surge is described. 5.7 miles of sand filled geotextile tubes or geotubes 30-ft in diameter are used to form the core of a dune along with a geotextile erosion apron held in place by anchor tubes. The design is aimed to prevent devastating erosion in the event that a large storm surge overtops the protective dunes. The sand is screened on site and mixed with water to form a slurry that is pumped into the tube. Once the tubes are in place, additional sand will be placed over the top and the dune revegetated. If the topping sand is eroded away, the Corps hopes the fix will be easier to perform with the tubes. Click through for the video.