New Orleans increases catch basin cleaning, but challenges remain [Video]

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – New Orleans is ramping up efforts to clean more than 7,000 catch basins across the city. In the last two months, contractors have reportedly cleared 1,500 catch basins, an increase from mid-March, when only 503 were cleaned, according to the Department of Public Works.

If contractors maintain the current pace of 1,000 catch basins per month, they could meet the goal of 7,000 cleanings by October. However, this timeline falls short of providing reassurance for residents during the height of hurricane season.

The Department also reported over 150,000 feet of cleaned drain lines, but members of the City Council say that clearing catch basins means little if the underlying pipes are clogged or damaged.

More: New Orleans still playing catchup on catch basins, diagnosing downed S&WB turbine

The responsibility for cleaning these pipes is shared between the Department of Public Works and the Sewerage and Water Board, …