MSIB Vol XX Issue 084 Stone Laying Operations MM178

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/24/2020 02:57 PM EDT

united states coast guard

VTS Measure - Smoke Bend Stone Laying Operations at 81-Mile Point, MM 177-179 RDB AHP LMR

The Captain of the Port New Orleans is issuing a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) measure for the waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 177 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to MM 179 AHP. This measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) stone-laying operations occurring along the right descending bank (RDB) near MM 178 (81-Mile Point). The stone-laying operations will be conducted daily from 6:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. local time Monday, July 27 through Wednesday, August 5, 2020, including the weekend. During stone laying, towing vessel KACEY LUHR and its barge will extend 150-300' channel-ward from the bank.  

This measure is in effect each day from July 27, 2020 through August 5, 2020, 6:00 A.M - 6:00 P.M, with the following provisions:
*	All vessels (except as described below) are prohibited from entering a zone extending from MM 177 to MM 179 AHP LMR from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
*	Southbound ocean-going vessels less than 600 ft in length, and inland towing vessels with tows less than 600 ft length, may transit around 81-Mile Point after contacting New Orleans Traffic (VHF Channel 05A) and M/V KACEY LUHR (VHF Channel 67) to make passing arrangements. 
*	All transits of 81 mile point will be limited to one-way traffic. 
*	Northbound vessels may transit the area with no length restrictions with permission from New Orleans Traffic. If delays are necessary, northbound vessels should hold up at MM175 or below.

Updates and/or changes will be disseminated via VTS email distribution and/or via Safety Broadcast Notice to Mariners. 

For additional information, contact the following: 
Coast Guard MSU Baton Rouge: (225) 298-5400 ext. 230
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center:  (504) 365-2200
Vessel Traffic Services Lower Mississippi River (504) 365-2230, VHF FM Ch. 05A, 12, 67

CAPTAIN W. E. WATSON
Captain of the Port New Orleans

For a current list of MSIBs within the COTP New Orleans Zone visit: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans under "Safety Notifications"