New Orleans Pump Testing Could Result In Reduced Flood Risk

The Army Corps of Engineers is testing the pumps on an isolated section of a canal in New Orleans to see if water can be pumped from the canal to nearby Lake Pontchartrain faster -- a development that could minimize flooding during future hurricanes.

1 minute read

August 20, 2007, 8:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Currently, water in the canal is 1.2 metres deep, but from 17 August, the Army Corps of Engineers will begin raising the water level in an isolated a 46-metre section of the canal up to 1.5 metres, while monitoring the impact on nearby walls and soil. If the levees do not shift, water could be pumped from New Orleans to Lake Pontchartrain faster when a hurricane hits, minimising flooding in the city."

Friday, August 17, 2007 in New Scientist

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