Laf. levee district readies for storms

Mansey R. Billiot
June 21, 2011
Eugene Valentine Sr.
June 23, 2011
Mansey R. Billiot
June 21, 2011
Eugene Valentine Sr.
June 23, 2011

Given ongoing work on the western side of South Lafourche’s ring levee teamed with recent improvements to specific critical locations, levee district general manager Windell Curole said he is confident the flood protection system can withstand an active hurricane season.


Curole made the prediction during last week’s levee board meeting.

One of the most critical points in the system is the floodwall at the Apache dock in Golden Meadow. The 10.5-foot floodwall is being raised to 13 feet.


‘We feel that this will add significant strength to the wall and reinforce that area, Curole told board members.


Rocks were used to reinforce the backside of the floodwall, near the Golden Meadow pump station, long considered the weakest area of flood protection in the entire ring-levee system, the director said. The rocks were grouted, adding an even higher layer of protection to the base of the floodwall, he said.

The upgrades were short-lived, however; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removed the rocks, replacing them with steel sheet piles.


The replacement work is expected to continue through mid-August typically the height of hurricane season.

Curole said the sheet piles will provide an added level of protection.

‘Those piles go down to a depth of negative-47 feet, whereas the older ones were at a depth of negative-17 feet, he explained. ‘Deeper means more strength, so that’s a good thing.

‘Also, the older sheet piles were at a height of 11 feet above sea level and these newer ones will be 14 feet above sea level, he said.

Should a hurricane approach prior to the project’s completion, Curole said the corps has promised to quickly return the floodwall to its original level. ‘But once it is completed, that floodwall area will be significantly improved for flood protection, he said.

Additionally, the ‘C North section located on the west side of Larose, near Louisiana Highway 24 has been raised from 7 feet to 15 feet in three spots.

Although Curole said he is confident the levee system will provide protection, he said residents are urged to follow evacuation orders if issued. ‘While we do have a good levee system that has performed well in the past, nothing is guaranteed, he said. ‘So, if an evacuation order for the area is given, there is sound reasoning for it and we encourage everyone to heed the orders and evacuate.