INSTITUTE FOR WATER RESOURCES
PIANC "Navigates the Environment" – Highlights from Recent Environmental Meetings in New Orleans
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PIANC "Navigates the Environment" – Highlights from Recent Environmental Meetings in New Orleans |
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ALEXANDRIA, VA – December 22, 2009. The U.S. Section of PIANC held a one-day technical seminar on "Navigating the Environment – Managing Risks and Sustaining Benefits" on October 28, 2009, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The seminar was organized by PIANC's international Environmental Commission (EnviCom) and PIANC USA. EnviCom's mission relates to both broad and specific issues related to sustainability, environmental risks and navigation. It also develops and provides environmental guidance for sustainable waterborne transport, ports and waterways. The diversity and high quality of the seminar speakers made for a day that was "overflowing" with information! Over 70 people participated in the technical sessions which focused on topics such as Climate Change, Ecosystems and Dredging, Comprehensive and Sustainable Sediment Management, and Coastal Flood Risk Management. There were presentations from more than 20 experts from the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and The Netherlands. They represented government agencies, ports, universities and non-profit organizations. Colonel Alvin B. Lee, Commander and District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District and USACE Research and Development Center (ERDC), gave the "Welcome and Opening Remarks." Dr. Susan Rees, USACE Mobile District, and Mr. Harald Koethe, Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, Germany, gave the "Synthesis Discussion and Closing Remarks." EnviCom and the PIANC USA Commissioners held committee meetings in New Orleans in conjunction with the seminar. In addition, the USACE New Orleans District organized a boat tour for the EnviCom members, where they sailed along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to see the ongoing construction of the navigable hurricane storm surge barrier in the vicinity of the Bayou Bienvenue Wetlands Complex. The project is being executed at an unprecedented pace to complete design and construction in three years to provide protection to the greater New Orleans area from a 100-year hurricane before the start of hurricane season June 1, 2011. The project includes two miles of innovative floodwall and three major navigation gates constructed through the marsh area of Lake Borgne. The seminar also offered the chance to network with colleagues and visit with a few industry exhibitors. An informal "Young Professionals" social gathering was held immediately following the seminar, giving young professionals (which PIANC defines as "40 and under") the opportunity to meet and mingle. An evening networking reception was held at the Plimsoll Club atop the World Trade Center and a spectacular panoramic view of the Crescent City and Mississippi River. Organizing Committee Members included Sandra Brasfield, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC; Todd Bridges, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC; Robert Engler, Moffatt Nichol; Harald Koethe, Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, Germany, Chairperson of EnviCom; Susan Rees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile; and Edmond Russo, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC. More about PIANC USAPIANC USA was organized in 1902 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serving as the Secretariat located at the Institute for Water Resources in Alexandria, VA. Its goal is to advance the sustainable development of shallow and deep-draft navigation issues including dredging and dredged material disposal, navigation and port infrastructure, recreational navigation and related environmental matters. Learn more:
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