Outside of Old Metairie the levee breaches did not affect Jefferson. So
why did so many houses flood? Residents blame Aaron Broussard, Parish
President. He followed the parish disaster plan and evacuated pump
operators to Washington Parish where they were stranded and had trouble
getting back. By the time the pumps were turned back on the parish had
sustained serious damage.
There are two theories.
- No pumping means rainwater accumulates and flooding follows
- Back flow suppression failed and water flowed in from the lake
Eventually we will get an answer. For now it remains uncertain. Either way residents want Mr. Broussard's derrière.
If it
turns out there was back flow the compressed air system for back flow
suppression must be reevaluated. Operators should be
provided safe haven closer to the pumps and the ability to get them
back online as soon as possible. Automation
would allow the pumps to run unattended for a while giving operators an
chance to evacuate before dangerous conditions sealed them in. An
internal rainwater pumping plan will be needed for Jefferson too.