Latest Mississippi River Delta News: July 11, 2013
Study urges spending on coastal restoration
By Janet McConnaughey. Associated Press. July 9, 2013.
“NEW ORLEANS — Wildlife tourism, from hunting and fishing to bird and dolphin watching, is a $19 billion-a-year business along the Gulf of Mexico, and states spending their settlement money from the 2010 BP oil spill should focus on restoring ecologically sensitive areas that keep guides, hotels and others working, a study says…” (Read more).
Congressmen Urge Funding for Coastal Restoration Projects
Press Release. Dredging Today. July 11, 2013.
“Congressmen Cedric Richmond, Steve Scalise, and Bill Cassidy spearheaded an effort to ensure critical funding for coastal restoration projects in Louisiana. The amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill passed unanimously…” (Read more).
Bird report highlights success of conservation on private land
By Nikki Buskey. The Houma Courier (Houma, La.). July 10, 2013.
“A new report on the state of birds in the United States says voluntary land conservation programs have had a positive impact on the nation’s avian species. ‘Sixty percent of U.S. land is in private hands, making the efforts of farmers, ranchers and landowners critical…'” (Read more).
US government assessment of BP oil spill ‘will not account for damage’
By Suzanne Goldenburg. The Guardian (United Kingdom). July 11, 2013.
“The US government cannot hope to arrive at a full accounting of the environmental destruction caused by the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico using its current methods, an expert panel has said. A report from the National Research Council said the US government’s efforts to put a price on damage…” (Read more).
La. 1 elevation efforts continue
By Xerxes Wilson. The Houma Courier (Houma, La.). July 10, 2013.
“Plans to further raise La. 1 in south Lafourche are moving forward with money now set aside by the state. This year’s state construction budget for public projects includes $40 million that will go toward raising La. 1 into the safety of south Lafourche’s levee system…” (Read more).
Louisiana Gas Leak: Crews Work To Stop Flow From Talos Energy Well
By Janet McConnaughey. Associated Press. July 10, 2013.
“NEW ORLEANS — Crews worked Wednesday to seal an old oil and gas well off the Louisiana coast that began leaking during work to plug it permanently. Eileen Angelico, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, said the bureau is reviewing plans…” (Read more).
BP Appeals Oil Spill Settlement Agreement Over Damage Claims
By Judy Woodruff. PBS Newshour. July 9, 2013.
“BP’s battle in the Gulf Coast over economic damages from the big oil spill of 2010, one of the worst environmental accidents in the country’s history. Last year, the oil giant agreed to an uncapped financial settlement following the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico…” (Read more).