| US Engineers Accountable for Katrina Damages | 30 November 09 |
 In New Orleans, the District Court of Louisiana's Judge Duvall ruled the US Army Corp of Engineers, those responsible for the Mississippi River-Gulph Outlet, a shipping channel, were negligent in their construction of the Reach 2 Levee. Therefore the Corp is responsible for flooding of the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans and neighbouring St. Bernard Parish and are liable for loss of life and property.Judge Duvall's ruling is important for a number of factors. It confirmed an engineering flaw that has been well documented. It signalled to the Army Corps that they are to be held accountable and that they cannot find immunity in government policy (Flood Control Act of 1982). It gives strength to the National Environmental Policy Act and will open the door for lawsuits nationwide. View November 18, 2009 US District of Louisiana Court Ruling (PDF)View November 23, 2009 Sierra Club press release View November 19, 2009 Earth Magazine press release Sources: Sierra Club, US District Court of Louisiana |
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