Hurricane Ida Debris Blocking City Drainage
System Currently Compromised
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Left: 21st Ave at Blue Swamp Creek
Above: 21st Ave near W. St. Mary
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Obvious to all of us is that scores if not hundreds of our ditches are currently blocked by debris. Starting this past Monday Public Works (PW) and I began an assessment of each culvert and bridge that crossed one of our main drainage features (Blue Swamp Creek, Mile Branch, Rattlensnake Branch, Branch Crossing, St. Paul's Creek, Simpson Creek, Patricia Canal and others). Blockage of a main tributary at a cross street can cause major to moderate flooding or a road wash-out. Clearing these has been and continues to be a PW priority. Simultaneously, we acquired permission to address those crossings that fall under Parish jurisdiction (Mile Branch).
The substantial blockage on 21st Avenue threatening W. St. Mary and Inspiration Lane was brought to the highest levels and regional levels of DOTD yesterday. Today we got positive vibes from them.
Regarding the City's street-side ditches, we have put a PW crew on "stand-by" in case of flooding and particularly in case of threat to a structure. Our debris removal contractor continues removing debris (first focus was on safe traffic, now on blocked drainage and hazardous leaners / hangers i.e. trees and limbs).
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Sidenote on Debris Removal: The city is divided into 18 zones through which the contractor rotates. Different debris piles require different types of equipment for removal. Aside from opening up narrow passage ways and clearing drainage, the schedule for where gets picked up next is decided by the contractor based on what equipment is needed and what equipment is available.
Sidenote #2: Let's not forget, the forested portion of Covington, from Cherokee Lane to 6th Ave / Van Buren to Old Landing was decimated in the storm … an estimated 200,000 cubic yards of debris city wide. Today we have safe streets, ambulance / fire trucks move freely, PD patrols without a hitch, PW has access to sewer lift stations, drainage ways and water wells. CLECO lineman have access to the power grid, garbage trucks are running and communication companies have crews all around town.
That said, the debris removal around town will take weeks, not days. Inevitably, someone will be last.
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Garbage: Cart Only v. Outside the Cart |
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Background: Since the storm, Coastal has been operating on a carts-only policy (as posted in their communications) … the result of a labor shortage of CDL drivers and hoppers combined with a significant increase in tonnage. A normal Coastal Wednesday, 470 tons of garbage. Post storm, carts-only, 670 tons and two extra hours (into the dark). |
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It was obvious to many of us Coastal was not picking up outside the cart. I have been working directly with Coastal for a solution. A plan has been devised but depends on hoppers (the MVPs of storm recovery) working extra days (hence no timeline).
Sidenote: Of interest, to me, several consecutive days of lifting / tossing trash and hopping on & off the truck takes a toll on the body of a hopper to the point they simply can no longer "go." Like first responders, line crewman, Public Works personnel, health care workers, volunteers, relief agencies and debris removal folk, we are grateful to the men and women that take away our garbage.
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Tonight's Trailhead Concert
Postponed til' Next Thursday Eve
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Heritage Bank's Sunset on the Landing
Still on for this Friday
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Power Line Dangers Continue ... Be Cautious.
Truck Drags Down Low Wire
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Big Thanks to CovFD for triaging a live wire, knocked down by a passing vehicle.
Although CLECO rebuilt our power grid during the past two weeks, we still need to be aware of possible low hanging wires coming into the home.
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Now for some comfort food ... |
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To Gretchen Armbruster and her colleagues who prepared a scrumptious meal for the Unsung Heroes of Our City, Public Works.
Just another reason Covington is one of the coolest cities in America.
The Downside: After eating such a big lunch, I believe we were all ready for a nap.
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And, now for some more comfort food ... |
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Pasquale's Pizza
A 1970's Favorite
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The tunes of ZZ Top, Elton John and Foghat emanated from the jukebox.
The manager was a young St. Paul's student who prided himself on both the food served and the experience.
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Kenny LaCour is still a restauranteur in Covington … the co-owner and proprietor of The Dakota Restaurant for the past 20+ years … 5 Stars by Tom Fitzmorris and one of New Orleans' top 25 restaurants per the Zagat Guide - - but he still can't replicate Pasquale's garlic bread ; ). |
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Please share this e-mail with whoever you believe may find it of value.
Replies to this e-mail go directly to Mayor Mark.
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If you have missed trash or need a new trash receptacle,
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Rooted in History, Focused on the Future |
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