[StBernard] Parish Update for 12/16/05 - Utilities

[Westley Annis]

Editors Note:  This is one of several emails.

PARISH UPDATE FOR 12/16/05

>From Craig Taffaro on behalf of the St. Bernard Parish Council (Mark

Madary,
Judy Hoffmeister, Kenny Henderson, Chairman Joey DiFatta, Lynn Dean, and
Ricky Melerine)Utility Updates (water/entergy/atmos/mail/phone)

Entergy: The good news is that this information has been fairly regularly
posted on the website, but the information does change almost daily.
Entergy currently is reconnecting dozens of customers a day and is being
pushed to set up for more.  The time frame for Entergy to be hooked up is
about 3 - 5 days after the request from community development is made for
temporary poles, which follows the electrician's release notice for the work
that was completed.  An exception to this time frame is some of the areas
that are serviced from underground lines, however, Entergy has reported that
they now have the capacity to energize basically any part of the parish
within a two week period of the work order being released.  That does not
mean that they will turn the entire parish back on at this point, but that
they can get to any sight within two weeks when the need justifies it.
Entergy is driven by customer requests.  The more people who call for a
reconnection based on electrical permits filed with the parish, the more
likely that particular area will receive power crews to energize the lines.


Water is available to almost the entire parish.  There are some exceptions
because of the damage to lines created by houses and boats, and breaking the
lines.  Most of the water is potable now, but there are areas outside of the
main water corridor that have not been certified by DHH.  As a precaution
the boil water issue has not been lifted universally throughout the parish.
Residents may call 228-4159 for information about your specific location and
the water quality.  All residents may notice a more pronounced chlorine odor
to the water and that is because of the added steps by the water board to
maintain the water at safe levels.  Water pressure may vary at times due to
the ongoing work on the system.  It is noted that the water board is
producing and pumping about 9 - 10 million gallons of water a day, even
though the consumption rate is only about 3 million gallons- that gives some
insight as to the level of damage to the infrastructure of the system.  If
you notice a leak in the system, please call the water board at the number
above to report it.


ATMOS gas has issued a revised map that will be posted on the website on
Friday, December 16.  The overhaul of the gas system may take a couple of
years, but that does not mean that no one will have access to natural gas.
The hardest area for gas to be serviced to will be the actual neighborhoods.
Residents who are already repairing and rebuilding and have gas hookups may
wish to consider converting to electric at least temporarily until ATMOS can
service their specific needs in the future.