Answers from Army Corps of Engineers on unwatering New Orleans

[Roland99]

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/083005cccawwlunwatering.45718845.html

Q.1. How long will it take to get the water out of New Orleans?

A.1. We are unsure. A number of factors play into this. First, Lake Pontchartrain is at roughly 4.5 feet above sea level and falling. The city is at a lower elevation so water will continue to flow into it until it equalizes.

Once the breach on the 7th Street Canal is closed, Pump Station 6 can pump 10,000 cubic feet per second.

Once the breaches are closed and all of the pumps are running, the pumps can lower the water level ½ inch per hour or about a foot per day. We can get the water level to sea level in four and a half days. The ½ inch rate assumes the late is at normal levels. That would create pumping inefficiency, as could trash in drains and canals that feed into the pump stations.

More info at the site.

[Roland99]

1. kick

[clmbohdem]

2. Water on both sides of floodwalls...

I wonder if the floodwalls can withstand water on both sides for a long period of time. I hope they don't all start dissolving.

[Roland99]

3. Well, there won't be the pressure as the level rises.

[blackcatpgh]

4. kick for good info n/t

[KoKo]

5. Kick............

[Nikki Stone 1]

6. I heard that the water levels in the city were now = Lake Pontchartrain

And that the water level would now stablize except at high tide. Can anyone verify?

[Roland99]

7. Ayup. That came from a Gen. with the Army Corps of Engineers.