September 7 @ 4:00 p.m. – Ida Recovery Phase, Update 13
GLPC STORM RECOVERY PHASE
Hurricane Ida
UPDATE #13
September 7, 2021
4:00 p.m.
Port Fourchon continues to progress through Recovery Phase in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida with an emphasis on getting our tenants back to work. Port tenants have been given full access to return to their facilities, and as of today, September 7, several of our larger tenants have either returned to operations or are readying themselves for operations in the port.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
- On Sunday, August 29, Port Fourchon took a direct hit from Hurricane Ida.
- By Tuesday, August 31, Port Commission personnel had gained access to Port Fourchon and started clearing debris to and within the port.
- These efforts extended into Wednesday, September 1, prior to allowing our tenant assessment teams into Port Fourchon to begin surveying damage on Thursday and Friday.
- On Friday, September 3, our main channel at Belle Pass was deemed safe for travel in and out of Port Fourchon with restrictions.
ACCESS TO PORT FOURCHON:
- ROADWAYS: Roadways are clear to and within Port Fourchon. Please use caution when traveling recently cleared roadways. LA 1 to Grand Isle is now accessible for property and business owners and emergency services, with limited access in that direction.
- PORT WATERWAYS: Vessels can travel in port waterways. US Coast Guard is allowing conditional access to Port Fourchon waterways, including Belle Pass, with restrictions for daylight operations only. Although there are restrictions in place, there are NO MAJOR OBSTRUCTIONS in port waterways that could hamper maneuverability into or out of Port Fourchon. Navigation through the main channel in Belle Pass is one lane only, with no meeting or overtaking in the channel. CLICK HERE to view Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB 028-21 for details.
- BAYOU LAFOURCHE: Bayou Lafourche north of the port is closed to marine traffic due to multiple obstructions in the channel, especially between the Ted Gisclair Floodgate in Larose and the Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow.
NOTABLE INFORMATION:
- CURFEWS: There is a dusk to dawn curfew in effect for Port Fourchon, with no vehicular or marine traffic in port overnight. Port Fourchon Harbor Police remain on duty to monitor traffic and ensure the safety of the port and returning crews.
- POWER, FUEL, & SUPPLIES: Be prepared to be self-sufficient in Port Fourchon. There is no power and little to no running water. There are no gas stations or restaurants currently open. Access is limited to parish curfew hours.
- CLEANUP & DEBRIS: The Port Commission asks that as you begin to clean the debris from your business property, that you NOT place debris along the side of the roadway. You must stack debris within the footprint of your facility, as there is no debris staging area in port.
- EMERGENCY SERVICES: Temporary fire and emergency services have been established in Port Fourchon, and Port Fourchon Harbor Police are continually working security for the area from a law enforcement perspective.
All these efforts are ongoing, but the underlying message is that we are moving forward as a port, as a community, and as Fourchon family, together.
Thank you for your support in getting us all back to business safely in Port Fourchon.