Let's Blame the Corp!

A Federal judge in New Orleans has ruled that the massive destruction to that city during Hurricane Katrina is the fault of the Army Corp of Engineers [PDF opinion].

It is the court’s opinion that the negligence of the corps, in this instance by failing to maintain the [Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet], was not policy, but insouciance, myopia and shortsightedness.

First of all, a New Orleans judge shouldn't get to handle this sort of litigation. Second of all, there is a reason we call these things "natural disasters." They suck, and there's really no one to blame. In fact, and third of all, what was myopic was founding a city at or below sea-level between a flood-prone river and a massive estuary. Frankly, I am amazed it took as long as it did for New Orleans to disappear under a brackish pool.

Friday, November 20, 2009 (2)

Comments

Not at sea level. All but the Vieux Carre are below sea level. My research area in St Bernard Parish was 11.7 feet below sea level and the Ninth Ward several feet below in most areas. It is continuing to sink in the greater New Orleans area and is another disaster waiting to happen. Any geologist would move most of the city inland.

—dr. dad

Noted!

—tRJ