LAPLACE — Construction projects within 1,500 feet of the levee system that were previously permitted have been shut down because of the rising Mississippi River, according to St. John the Baptist Parish officials.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently initiated increased levee patrols along the Mississippi River twice weekly until the water level drops below 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage.

The Mississippi River at the Carrollton gauge in New Orleans has risen above 11 feet, prompting the Corps, New Orleans District to activate flood fight procedures, most recently, Phase II of the flood fight.

By opening the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway March 8, the levee system is being relieved of pressure. The National Weather Service’s latest forecast shows the river cresting March 18 at 16 feet. The crest at Carrollton will last two days and the stages are expected to recede March 20.

Parish Officials remain in communication with the Corps of Engineers, the Pontchartrain Levee District and Lafourche Basin Levee District to monitor the water levels.

Levee restrictions during high water:

• No digging activity and/or subsurface work of any kind is allowed within 1,500 feet of the levee centerline. This includes, but is not limited to pile driving, excavation and trenching.
• Driving on the levee is prohibited. The crown of the levee on the walking path for walking and biking should be used with caution.
• Inspection teams from the Army Corps of Engineers, Governor’s Office, EOC and levee districts are monitoring the levee system closely. In order to carry out the necessary assessments and operations, there will be zero tolerance for unauthorized parking and driving on the levees.

 

— Information provided by St. John Communications