LAPLACE — The surrounding area is currently in Phase 1 Flood Flight Status, according to the Pontchartrain Levee Board officials Tuesday morning, who are wary of the rising water level in the Mississippi River.

St. John the Baptist Parish Public Safety Director Jobe’ Boucvalt said Phase 1 was activated on the lower Mississippi area, which St. John is a part of, on Dec. 14.

“Basically what happens is local authorities patrol the levee twice a week,” he said. “The Pontchartrain Levee Board goes and inspects the levee. They go up and down to make sure they don’t see any deficiencies. That is what is going on presently. They are doing inspections currently in Phase 1 Flood Flight Status.”

During the visual inspections of the levee, authorities are making sure there is no broken pavement, erosion, shrinkage or cracking, Boucvalt said.

“They are looking for any potential seepage areas,” he said.

Phase 1 was activated because water levels were 13 feet on the Carrollton Gage on Dec. 14.

As of Tuesday morning, the water was at 14 feet. For the Board to move to Phase 2, the water level has to hit 15 feet. At that time, all subservice activities within 1,500 feet of the levee must stop and no waivers will be granted while at 15 feet at the Carrollton Gage.

“The Pontchartrain Levee Board and the (U.S. Army) Corps of Engineers work together,” Boucvalt said. “The Carrollton Gage is the height of the River level over at Carrollton in New Orleans.

“At Phase 2, the levee systems will be inspected daily. In Phase 2 the water level is a little bit higher so they need to watch it a little bit closer.”

As of press time Tuesday morning, Boucvalt said there were no reports from inspections reporting any issues in St. John Parish.

“The parish is monitoring the situation, and we are participating in conference calls with state officials and the Levee Board and the Corps,” Boucvalt said. “The walking path on the levee is open, people can still jog and ride bikes.”