| 04 September 2008 |
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| Corps works to lower flood levels caused by Gustav in Central Louisiana |
NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Vicksburg District
www.mvk.usace.army.mil
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release # 0809-5G
Corps works to lower flood levels caused by Gustav
Vicksburg, Miss… - Heavy rains left by Hurricane Gustav in Central and Northern Louisiana has led to flooding in various locations throughout Louisiana. The Vicksburg District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is operating projects to move the water downstream and away from residences and structures.
The Tensas-Cocodrie area is protected by the Red River Backwater Levee and has two major gravity drainage structures and one pump station. At this time the river is low enough for the gravity drains to remain open and water is draining at a rate of 2,400 cubic feet per second or just over 1 million gallons per minute. The pump is operating in conjunction with the gravity drain. Water moves faster through the gravity drainage system.
Also threatened by flooding are cropland and houses around Lake Louis in the Sicily Island area. This area is protected by a levee system with 2 pump stations (Fool River and HaHa Bayou) and over 30 small gravity outlets structures. This area received over 22 inches of rain in 3 days. At this time the river is low enough for the gravity drainage structures to remain open and both pumping stations are operating.
The Corps continues to work closely with its local and state partners to help move the water out as quickly and safely as possible. The National Weather Service is the official forecaster for flood conditions.
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For more information or interviews, contact Frank Worley, Chief of Public Affairs, (601) 631- 5053, 601-831-3053 cell or reply to this e-mail.
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