By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-951405.mp3
New Orleans, La. – Speakers at the public hearing held in the Lower Ninth Ward warned that the plan for freshwater diversion would cause the same damage as the MR-GO, which is now closed off. Some asked for more time to review long-term damage from the oil spill. Corps spokesman Greg Miller says another month may be granted.
"It won't play a factor in extension of the public comment period. The oil spill is something that we recognize has been a very, very big disaster along the coast. And we have to be aware of the impacts of it and how to clean it up."
The project would restore and protect about 92 square miles of land and wetlands. If approved, it could begin construction next year and take a decade to complete.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.