Notice to Navigators: Lower Mississippi River

NOTICE TO MARINERS
LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER

LNM 11-22

 

SECTION I - SPECIAL NOTICES

This section contains information of special concern to the Mariner.

 

LA - SOUTHWEST PASS TO THE LOWER END OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS IN ITS ENTIRETY - Waterways Analysis and Management System Study

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a Waterways Analysis and Management System Study on the Mississippi River from Southwest Pass to the lower end of the Port of New Orleans in its entirety. The study focuses on the existing near shore aids to navigation system, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information and future development projects. The purpose of this study is to determine the navigational requirements of vessels operating in the in-shore environment. Individual operators and interested maritime industry representatives are requested to provide comments and feedback using the Local Notice Feedback email below. Comments and feedback can be emailed to: LocalNoticeFeedback@uscg.mil with LMR from SWP to Port of NOLA WAMS as the subject line. All comments can also be mailed to: Officer in Charge Aids to Navigation Team Venice 436 Coast Guard Road Venice, LA 70091 E-mail: Joseph.M.Moore@uscg.mil Alternate contact: LocalNoticeFeedback@uscg.mil Phone: (504) 329-2098.

 

LA - MISSISSIPPI RIVER - Old River Lock – UPDATE

Continuing until approximately July 31, 2022, due to repairs on the Lock Emergency Bulkhead Lowering Carriage, and the procedures contained in this bulletin, tows entering the Lock are urged to use extreme caution while approaching and entering the lock chamber. While approaching the Lock, the following are required for passage:

1. Tows are to enter the Lock at DEAD SLOW speed.
2. All tows are restricted to no longer than 1,100 feet in length.
3. All tows will line up along the floating guidewall before proceeding.
4. Two line-handlers with life vests and bumpers will be required on both approach and exiting of the Lock.
5. Vessels must be moored by bow and stern lines to floating timberheads.

Again, use extreme caution when locking through Old River Lock. The Lockmaster, Anthony T. Lindsly, can be reached at (225) 492-3333, for up-to-date information. The point of contact with the USACE New Orleans District is Russell Beauvais, at (225) 492-2169.

 

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER - LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER - OHIO RIVER - CHANNEL CONDITIONS/SAFETY ADVISORY – UPDATE

Extreme high-water conditions exist on the Upper Mississippi River, between approximate Miles 5.0 and 0.0, on the Lower Mississippi River, between approximate Miles 953.0 and 939.0, and on the Ohio River, between approximate Miles 976.0 and 981.0. The COTP Ohio Valley has issued a Safety Advisory, recommending vessels not meet, pass or overtake in these areas. Down-bound tows should consider tow width and red flag barges should be placed in a protected location in the tow. While the overall river stage is decreasing, drift and debris may pose navigation obstructions and may drag buoys off station. It is recommended that all vessels avoid laying-up on levees and assess bridge clearance in advance. This Safety Advisory will remain in effect until river stages subside, by falling below 39 feet on the Cairo Gauge. Mariners should report navigation obstructions immediately to the U.S. Coast Guard via VHF-FM Channel 16.

  

SECTION VII – GENERAL

This section contains information of general concern to the Mariners. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting these areas.

 

LA - SOUTHWEST PASS - MISSISSIPPI RIVER - Partially Submerged Buoy

A partially submerged white buoy has been reported on the Lower Mississippi River, near Mile 9.8, AHOP, LDB. The partially submerged white buoy is reportedly not marked. Mariners are requested to use caution while transiting the area.

 

LA - SOUTHWEST PASS - MISSISSIPPI RIVER - Dredge Operation

Continuing through approximately April 4, 2022, the U.S. Government Hopper Dredge WHEELER is working in Southwest Pass, from Head of Passes Mile 0.0, to approximately Mile -22.0, BHOP and in the Mississippi River, from Head of Passes to approximately Mile 13.0, AHOP. The dredge will work 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The dredge can be contacted on either VHF-FM Channel 16 or 67, for sailing instructions. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. The point of contact with the USACE New Orleans District is Michelle Kornick, at (504) 862-1842 or Heather Jennings, at (504) 862-1253.

 

LA - SOUTHWEST PASS - Rock Placement Operations

Continuing through approximately September 30, 2022, Luhr Brothers are conducting rock placement operations in Southwest Pass, between Double Bayou Light 19 (LLNR-12860) and Scotts Canal Light 23 (LLNR-12885), approximately Mile -5.0, BHOP to Mile -9.0, BHOP, RDB. Operations will be conducted daily, from 6:00 a.m., to 6:00 p.m. The on-scene vessels, M/V WARREN JR and M/V JULIE MARIE can be contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16, 67 and 69. For additional information, mariners can contact Brian Arnold, at (504) 481-4349. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution.

 

LA - MISSISSIPPI RIVER, MILE 58.1, AHOP - Subaqueous Stone Placement

Continuing through approximately August 15, 2022, a U.S. Government Contractor is placing subaqueous stone along the RDB, of the Mississippi River, at approximate Mile 58.1, AHOP. The contractor will work 7-days a week, 10-hours a day, during daylight hours. The plant will include an anchor barge with hydraulic backhoe. An office barge and various material barges will be on-scene, staged along the river at this location. During nighttime hours, the contractor will be staged along the LDB, out of the Mississippi River Channel. The M/V OSCAR WALTERS can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16, or at (318) 452-0116. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. The point of contact with the USACE New Orleans District is John Page, at (337) 291-3015.

 

LA - MISSISSIPPI RIVER, MILE 255.5, AHOP - Subaqueous Stone Placement

Continuing through approximately March 22, 2022, a U.S. Government Contractor is placing subaqueous stone near Mile 255.5, AHOP, RDB. The contractor will work 7-days a week, 10-hours a day, during daylight hours. The plant will include an anchor barge with hydraulic backhoe. An office barge and various material barges will be on-scene, staged along the river at this location. During nighttime hours, the contractor will be staged along the LDB, out of the Mississippi River Channel. The M/V PINE BLUFF can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 and 78 or at (318) 452- 5448. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. The point of contact with the USACE New Orleans District is John Page, at (337) 291-3015.

MILE 718.0 - MILE 714.0 - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY

The COTP Lower Mississippi River has issued a Safety Advisory for Mile 718.0 to 714.0, in the vicinity of Cow Island Bend. Mariners are urged to transit the area with caution and remain within the navigable channel.

 

MILE 304.0 - L/D RESTRICTIONS

Continuing until approximately July 31, 2022, tows are to enter the lock wall at a DEAD SLOW speed, tows will be restricted to a length no more than 1,100 feet and will line up along the floating guidewall before proceeding into the lock’s chamber. Two line-handlers (with life vests) and bumpers are required when approaching and exiting the lock. Vessels must be moored by the bow and stern to the floating timberheads. The Lockmaster, Mr. Anthony T. Lindsly can be reached at (225) 492-3333, for up-to-date information. The point of contact at the USACE New Orleans Office is Russell Beauvais at (225) 492-2169.

 

MILE 255.5 - DREDGE OPERATION

Continuing through approximately March 22, 2022, a U.S. Government Contractor is placing subaqueous stone near Mile 255.5, AHOP, RDB. The contractor will work 7-days a week, 10-hours a day, during daylight hours. The plant will include an anchor barge with hydraulic backhoe. An office barge and various material barges will be on-scene, staged along the river at this location. During nighttime hours, the contractor will be staged along the LDB, out of the Mississippi River Channel. The M/V PINE BLUFF can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 and 78 or at (318) 452- 5448. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. The point of contact with the USACE New Orleans District is John Page, at (337) 291-3015.