RE: CORPS’ 2019 REVETMENT SCHEDULE AND TRANSIT RESTRICTIONS 82119

The present schedule for the Corps’ Mississippi Valley New Orleans (MVN) 2019 Mississippi River bank stabilization program schedule (revetment and rock work), with applicable navigation restrictions, is enclosed below. The latest schedule of work as provided by the MVN is attached. There are five proposed revetment locations between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and three locations below New Orleans that require revetment mat placement. There is one location above the Ship Channel and north of Baton Rouge (Abroth) listed for revetment operations. There are also three locations that require rock or bank stabilization efforts. The rock work at the Lucy location (Mile 136.2 Above Head of Passes [AHP]) on the right descending bank has already commenced, the Marine Safety Information Bulletin is attached.

The Corps recently hosted a meeting, with representatives from the Corps’ Bank Stabilization Division, the U.S. Coast Guard, applicable Pilot Associations and the Coalition, to detail the scope of bank stabilization efforts and develop potential transit restrictions. During times of actual revetment work, the Mat Sinking Unit (MSU) extends from approximately 300 to 800 feet channelward from the bank. When the Unit is not folded in, it extends about 480 feet from the bank channelward. When it is folded in, the MSU extends 250 feet from the bank. The scheduled working times for the MSU are from 0600 hours to 1900 hours. In different locations the operations may be completed slightly before or after 1900 hours. The Corps agreed to Industry’s request to fold in the Mat Sinking Unit (MSU) at night on revetment locations that warranted concern. The Pilots and Coast Guard’s Lower Mississippi River Vessel Traffic Service will utilize the Contact Pilot on the MSU to coordinate vessel movements in the vicinity of these operations.

The updated schedules from the Corps will be distributed upon receipt. The BRC will notify our members of any changes; however, please keep in mind that some changes occur without notice to Industry. The scheduled dates may change but those shown below are based on the latest schedule from the Corps. Updates will be provided in an attempt to provide accurate information as time permits. The Corps indicated it will most likely not be able to work if the Carrollton Gauge is higher than 7 feet, the 2019 extended high-river period means the bank stabilization efforts are starting later than usual.

2019 Corps’ Revetment Schedule and Restrictions Locations Above New Orleans

Corps 2019 Revetment Schedule and Transit Restrictions 82119.pdf

*The working hours at Manchac Bend will be adjusted to allow deep-draft traffic transits through this area at first light in both directions. Revetment operations at Manchac Bend will be scheduled from 0900 hours to 2100 hours to accommodate north- and southbound ship traffic.

2019 Corps’ Revetment Schedule and Restrictions Locations Below New Orleans

Location	Mile (Right or Left)	2019 Scheduled Date(s)	Restrictions
Myrtle Grove	58.9 RDB	December 9 to December 11	One-way transits with slow bell during working hours. MSU to fold in at night.
Point Michel	43.5 RDB	November 29 to December 1	One-way transits with slow bell during working hours. MSU to fold in at night.
Port Sulphur	36.3 RDB	December 2 to December 5	One-way transits with slow bell during working hours. MSU to fold in at night.

2019 Corps’ Rock Work Locations Schedule and Restrictions

Location	Mile (Right or Left)	2019 Scheduled Date(s)	Restrictions
Lucy	136.2 RDB	Ongoing work, expected to be completed within 2 weeks	One-way transits, MSIB attached.
Avondale	105.0 RDB	Late 2019 to early 2020	One-way transits, with VTS to coordinate vessel traffic.
Neptune	22.3 LDB	Work to start after the Lucy location is completed.	No restrictions, expected.

The 2019 revetment operations included work at several key locations where the banks have been somewhat compromised by the extended high river stages. The work dates are established to focus on the priority locations first. However, throughout the bank stabilization efforts changes based upon river stages and experience with vessel transits should be anticipated. Please note the rock work is ongoing at Lucy, but that revetment operations are not expected to begin below Baton Rouge until late November (2019). The Corps, Coast Guard, Pilots and BRC will work closely with industry to ensure that changes are noted and distributed as warranted and available.

Corps Revetment Schedule 81419.pdf

MSIB XIX-062: One way Traffic from MM 135.2 to MM 137.2 AHP