This Measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway on or about February 28, 2019.
Effective at 0700 on February 26, 2019, vessels shall not enter the Bonnet Carre Anchorage or the area extending 600 feet into the river from the Bonnet Carre Spillway, between MM 127 and MM 129 and the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain
This VTS Measure will remain in effect as long as the Bonnet Carre Spillway remains open. All vessels are prohibited from entering this area without permission from the Captain of the Port New Orleans or designated representative.
The full MSIB is below.
Waterway Status – VTS Measure MM 127 – 129 AHP LMR, Bonnet Carre Spillway Opening
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (VTS LMR), in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, will establish a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Measure for the waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 127 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to MM 129 AHP. This Measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway on or about February 28, 2019. This Measure is in effect with the following provisions:
Effective at 0700 on February 26, 2019, vessels shall not enter the Bonnet Carre Anchorage or the area extending 600 feet into the river from the Bonnet Carre Spillway, between MM 127 and MM 129 and the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain (located between 30°4′30.6N, 90°24′6.6W and 30°3′20.9″N, 90°22′18.9W). This VTS Measure will remain in effect as long as the Bonnet Carre Spillway remains open. All vessels are prohibited from entering this area without permission from the Captain of the Port New Orleans or designated representative.
There may be unexpected crosscurrents or eddies that occur due to the water being diverted from the river into the spillway. Mariners are reminded to exercise due caution and stay toward the Right Descending Bank (RDB) while navigating through this area. Barge fleets and terminals located upriver from the Bonnet Carre Spillway should also pay close attention to the increased river current and make extra efforts to ensure vessels and barges remain moored or anchored. All barge fleets are reminded to review and comply with the high water requirements listed in 33 CFR 165.803(m).
The USACE will have a picket boat stationed on the Left Descending Bank (LDB) above the spillway to monitor traffic. Any barge breakaways or vessels adrift in the vicinity of the spillway from Mile 128 to Mile 140 should be immediately reported to:
1) VTS LMR (“New Orleans Traffic”) on VHF Ch. 05A, or by phone at (504) 365-2230 and,
2) USACE picket boat on VHF Ch. 67 or 16.
For further information, contact:
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2200
Coast Guard Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2230, VHF FM Ch. 05A, 12, 67
CAPTAIN K.M. LUTTRELL
Captain of the Port New Orleans
