May 6, 2011 - To: Those with immovable and/or personal property, livestock, and third part interests within the Old River Control Complex, Morganza Floodway, lower Atchafalaya Basin Floodway (Hwy 190 to Morgan City between the east and west Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levees), the west Atchafalaya Floodway; and the Upper Point Copuee Drainage Project The existing and predicted stages on the Mississippi River indicate that it may be necessary to operate the Morganza floodway to handle and safely divert these floodwaters through the Morganza Floodway. If operated, these waters will ultimately proceed to the Gulf of Mexico through the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway. In the event that it becomes necessary to actually operate the Morganza Spillway, public notice will be given through your State and local emergency officials and other governmental authorities, as well as major news media, in advance to allow time for evacuation of people and livestock and for removal of personal belongings, including trailers. Any instructions you have already received or will receive from State and local emergency officials should be followed. Expeditious action must be taken to protect life and property. Once the floodwaters progress through the Morganza and Atchafalaya Floodways to the Gulf of Mexico, the height of the water could reach between five (5) and upwards of twenty-five (25) feet above ground elevation, causing widespread flooding and inundation. Possible impacts due to the water flow currents include: damage to structures, removal of structures from foundations, and sweeping of other items such as trailers and livestock downstream. Measures must be taken to prevent uncontained spills of pesticides, in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 7, Pesticides. If you store or pemit storage of hazardous materials or waste, or Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) on your property, please take the same precautions. lf you operate any type of well within the floodways, it must be sealed and capped to prevent contamination. In addition, secure any propane tanks in the area. ln summary, please keep advised of instructions from State and local officials as your safety is our number one priority. ###

Additional Information

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