By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Unseasonably high water levels in the Mississippi River have forced the Pontchartrain Levee District to suspend the issuance of permits for bonfires on the levee.

According to Steve Wilson, president of the Pontchartrain Levee District, the river is expected to rise to 11.4 feet today, up from 11.21 feet on Friday. The “safe zone” is 11 feet or less.

Wilson said the record-high water level for this time of year is something his office has been monitoring since the early 80s.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Wilson said neither the Levee District nor he Army Corps of Engineers have any plans to place a ban on the building of bonfires on the levee. He did say, however, safety issues have warranted a suspension of the building of bonfires until water levels drop.

According to Wilson, the reason for the action is two-fold.

“The activity on the levees associated with the construction of the bonfires is a hindrance to inspection efforts that are now underway daily to assure the levee and batture areas are not compromised by the increase in (water) levels,” he said.

He said the second concern is the added weight on the levee could cause problems when the normal high-water season comes in the spring.

Wilson remains optimistic about the situation.

“It is all of our belief that we will soon be able to allow the activity to proceed on plenty of time to continue this important tradition and keep Papa Noel on course,” he said.

The bonfires have been a Christmas tradition in the River Parishes for untold years and have become quite a tourist attraction in more recent years.

Lutcher’s annual Festival of the Bonfires is scheduled for Dec. 11 through 13.

Wilson said the Pontchartrain Levee District has been in constant contact with both local officials and festival organizers regarding the situation.