St. Mary Parish officials are asking the public to stay off the West Atchafalaya Basin levee near Charenton Beach Road.
"The St. Mary Levee District would like to inform the public that we are fully aware of the levee slide on West Atchafalaya Basin Levee near Charenton Beach Road. We have been aware of the slide since it occurred in October. It has been reported to the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is being closely monitored. It was also inspected by USACE during our annual levee inspections. Because this is a major maintenance/repair project, it is the responsibility of USACE to do the repair. It is currently in the design phase and will be repaired as soon as possible. If the repair is not made before high water, flood fighting will be done in the area to prevent any further problems. These levee slides are a common occurrence up and down the Mississippi and Atchafalaya river levee systems," a statement issued Monday reads.
"We would also like to take this time to remind the public that NO motorized vehicles are allowed in the levee “right of way”. Mud riding and cutting of levee slopes, bases and crowns are oftentimes the cause of these slides. If you are trespassing on these areas you will be arrested. If you see anyone trespassing these areas, please call the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s office and report it. If you see something, please say something. You can call our office (985)380.5500 or St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office (337)828.1960.
For further questions please call our office. Thank you," the statement reads.
