The expected opening of the Morganza Spillway has been pushed back to June 9th, the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers announced today. This will be the second time in its history (first being in 2011) that the spillway has required opening.
In their release, the Army Corps announced a “slow release” would begin on June 6th, with the complete opening happening that Sunday (the 9th). This is due to changes in the forecast.
The opening of the Morganza Spillway is in response to elevated levels of the Mississippi River and major flood concerns. Scientists and fishermen alike fear a danger to the local environment as a result of the opening, with animals and landscape being greatly affected.
Louisiana Crawfish Producers Association-West president Jody Meche has been quoted previously saying, “I hope they don’t open it.” and that “it’s going to be a bad situation.”
The announcement comes as a Mississipi River levee breach in Missouri caused major flooding in Winfield, Levasy, and St. Louis.
Bill Arceneaux has been an independent writer and film critic in the New Orleans area since 2011, working with outlets like Film Threat, DIG Baton Rouge, Crosstown Conversations, and Occupy. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and is Rotten Tomatoes approved. Follow him on Twitter: @billreviews
