Latest Mississippi River Delta news: Sept. 19, 2013

Mid-Barataria project could be first of 10 in state aimed at reinforcing eroding coast
By Amy Wold, The Advocate (Baton Rouge). Sept. 19, 2013.
“NEW ORLEANS — Money is finally falling into place for a major new project that would tap the silt-laden Mississippi River to create 50 square miles of wetlands — the first of what officials hope will be 10 such diversions designed to reinforce Louisiana’s eroding coast…” (read more).

Louisiana could begin building Mid-Barataria sediment diversion by late 2015
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans). Sept. 18, 2013.
“Construction of a major diversion that would funnel sediment and freshwater from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin at Myrtle Grove to rebuild wetlands could begin by the fall of 2015, thanks to money coming as a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, state coastal officials learned Wednesday… (read more).

Judge to review Halliburton’s Gulf oil spill plea deal
By Michael Kunzelman, Associated Press. Sept. 19, 2013.
“NEW ORLEANS — A federal judge was set to decide Thursday whether to approve a plea agreement that calls for Halliburton Energy Services to pay a $200,000 fine for destroying evidence after BP’s 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico…” (read more).

Plaquemines proposed coal terminal’s permit is protested by environmental groups
By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans). Sept. 18, 2013.
“National and local environmental groups have filed a formal protest against the state’s issuance of a coastal-use permit for a controversial coal export terminal in Plaquemines Parish. The groups are asking the state to reconsider…” (read more).

Contest launches for Lower Mississippi River Delta rebuild
By Greg Pitcher, Architects Journal. Sept. 19, 2013.
“The Changing Course contest aims to rescue wetlands around the river from sinking into the Gulf of Mexico…” (read more).

Prosecutors defend charges against ex-BP engineer in Gulf spill case
By Harry R. Weber, FuelFix (Houston). Sept. 18, 2013.
“NEW ORLEANS — Federal prosecutors defended Wednesday the legality of obstruction of justice charges against a former BP engineer in connection with the investigation of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill…” (read more).