US Coast Guard has provided us with the following information.
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UNITED STATES COAST GUARD SECTOR NEW ORLEANS
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN. Volume XI, Issue 45
As a result of the extreme high water along the Lower Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River Basin, the Captain of the Port of New Orleans is issuing an advisory to all waterfront facilities and fleeting areas to prepare for eventual flooding and high river conditions.
Captain of the Port of New Orleans may determine there is a need to close certain waterways contingent upon how severe the river height or current becomes in order to ensure safety on the waterways, prevent hazardous conditions, protect marine environment and minimize loss of life or property.
Facilities with fleeting operations or permanently moored barges should review the mooring configuration for their barges to determine if it should be altered or changed based on the high water conditions. Facilities and owners of vessels are highly encouraged to ensure the best methods are used to moor the vessel properly so as to prevent breakaways at anytime during this unprecedented high water season.
Waterfront facilities are reminded to utilize sound judgment in preparing their facilities for high water conditions. Facilities should evaluate current vessel and barge mooring conditions to reduce any likelihood of vessel or barge breakaways during oil transfer operations. Facilities that store and transport hazardous materials or oil products, should ensure that potential pollution sources are secured or removed. These measures may include but are not limited to:
* Reducing or securing unnecessary equipment on the facility that my become a missile hazard should the water flood their facility,
* Removing or securing portable tanks,
* Securing potential sources of discharge, and
* Limiting quantities of hazardous materials or oil products stored on the facility for the duration of high water conditions
Mariners and facilities are encouraged to take appropriate precautions and frequently check the National Weather Service website https://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/?n=lmrfc-mississippiandohioriverforecast for complete and updated information.
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Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.