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Much of the construction of a flood defence system that has to protect the land against a repeat of the 2005 disaster is now in place, while work is still being carried out on other parts. The system as a whole has to provide protection against water levels and waves that occur once in a century by 01 June 2011. After this date, the focus will be on management and maintenance. A digital information system has already been developed for the levee system as well as a surge atlas to provide better support for the levee authorities.

The flood defence system is important for the protection of the city and its surrounding area. The key components of this new system are three storm surge barriers. Ninety per cent of the Inner Harbour Navigation Canal (IHNC) barrier in the east of the city is now complete, as is 30 per cent of the West Closure Complex on the south side of the city. This construction must be finished by the next hurricane season (01 June – 30 November). Work building the Seabrook Barrier on the northern edge of the city started this spring.

After 2011, once the dikes and barriers are complete, the local water authorities will manage and maintain this system. With this in mind, Royal Haskoning, together with its partners, has developed a new digital information management system for the waterways designed especially for the Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. The digital management system module has to be operational by mid-September when the hurricane season is expected to peak. The module will provide an accurate overview of the gates that are open and closed and ensure that the necessary measures can be taken immediately. Royal Haskoning has already developed the Surge atlas which can be used to estimate the risks of flooding around the city quickly.

Royal Haskoning's team of experts will also help to restore the natural swamp areas affected in the Louisiana coastal area. It is generally assumed that these swamps have an inhibiting effect on water levels and floods caused by hurricanes. Royal Haskoning will assess the effectiveness of the links with the Mississippi River that have to bring more fresh water into the swamplands around the city.