Resource Center
Recovery Efforts in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida Makes Landfall
Learn about how we mobilized significant resources to aid in Hurricane Ida recovery in Louisiana.Byline: BTB Editor
November 10, 2021 / Time to read: 5 minThis year is on track to meet, if not exceed, last year’s record-breaking hurricane season. In 2020 the U.S. experienced 14 hurricanes, seven of which were considered major disasters, causing over $51 billion in damages total. Hurricane Ida, the worst storm in 2021 to date, left behind widespread destruction and large-scale impact to businesses and communities alike, with financial damage exceeding $65 billion.
Ida made landfall on August 29 near Port Fourchon, LA as a Category 4 hurricane with wind speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. Much like other areas in the state, Port Fourchon was devastated by the powerful storm with its power grid suffering significant damage. Waterways flowing to and within the city were blocked by multiple obstructions and sunken vessels, and access roads were closed, resulting in responders struggling to reach those in need.
Severe business interruptions for the region’s largest industry
The storm dropped large amounts of rain and generated heavy winds and extremely high tides damaging the infrastructure for many industry sectors. Oil and gas exploration and production, the region’s largest industry, experienced severe disruptions with long-lasting power outages and extensive damage to the electrical grid, hindering efforts to restore power to refineries and production sites so they could resume operations. Over 350 oil and chemical spills were reported throughout the state, and downed power lines, fallen trees and debris posed extreme hazards.
Large-scale response efforts
US Ecology’s response teams were on standby as the storm developed and significant assets were rapidly mobilized to support government agencies, retailers, marine vessel operators, manufacturers, service providers, utilities, refineries, gas stations, chemical plants, energy providers and other businesses. At the height of the response, 50 of our team members were in the field and we continued to deploy resources weeks after the storm. Our disaster response crews and vacuum and roll off trucks arrived from Matthews, LA for clean-up efforts and provided response assistance, working around the clock aiding in rehabilitating communities and businesses by mitigating oil and hazardous spills, providing emergency lab pack and household hazardous waste services, waste characterization of unknown waste and management and safe, secure disposal of hazardous materials.
Minimize operational impact with an emergency response plan
The impact of Ida shows the importance of being prepared for natural disasters that can strike at anytime, anywhere. We encourage businesses to put emergency response protocols in place to protect and ensure the safety of assets, employees and customers, as well as limit operational impact as much as possible.
When disaster strikes, trust the number one response provider for over 30 years. Our professional crews are on standby ready to deploy the right resources to manage your response and recovery needs. We provide unequaled service and the convenience and reduced risk of one partner from start to finish. For immediate assistance call us 24/7/365 at (800) 899-4672 or learn more:
