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Characterization of flood sediments from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and potential implications for human health and the environment

Circular 1306-7I
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir13067I

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Abstract

The flooding in the greater New Orleans, La., area that resulted from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005 left behind accumulations of sediments up to many centimeters thick on streets, lawns, parking lots, and other flat surfaces (fig. 1). During the flood dewatering and subsequent cleanup, there were concerns that these sediments might contain pathogens and chemical contaminants that would pose a health risk to emergency responders, cleanup workers, and local residents who came into contact with the wet sediments or inhaled dusts generated from dried sediments. In response to these concerns, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists and colleagues characterized the potential environmental and health hazards of hurricane flood sediments from the greater New Orleans and Slidell, La., area.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Characterization of flood sediments from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and potential implications for human health and the environment
Series title Circular
Series number 1306
Chapter 7I
DOI 10.3133/cir13067I
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) National Wetlands Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 12 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Science and the storms: The USGS response to the hurricanes of 2005 (Circular 1306)
First page 245
Last page 256
Country United States
State Louisiana
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