Dam security

[Neil Johnson]

I wonder what kind of security they have at the Old River Control Structure
(ORCS) ?

Background:

The ORCS was built by the Corps in the 1960's to prevent the Mississippi
from changing its path from the route that  goes through
New Orleans to a more direct route via the Atchafalaya River ( a route that
is 170 miles shorter than it's current path). If the river did
change course, It would destroy a large wildlife sanctuary and would
eventually leave New Orleans and Baton Rouge without fresh water,
not to mention economic impact it would have.

http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/pao/oldriver/course.htm

It was almost destroyed during the massive floods of 1973 by scouring
(basically the the river undermining the foundation of the structure).

http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/pao/oldriver/flood1973.htm

The Corp has since reinforced the structure and built a additional
structures to control the flow.

http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/pao/oldriver/repairs.htm

See:
http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/pao/oldriver/oldriver.htm

-
Neil M. Johnson
mailto:njohnsn at iowatelecom.net