World’s largest pumping station tested ahead of hurricane season

BELLE CHASSE, La. (WVUE) – The world’s largest pumping station underwent a successful test run on Thursday, May 9, weeks before the official start of hurricane season on June 1.

The test was part of the ongoing efforts to prepare for potential storms and ensure the safety of the New Orleans area.

The test took place at the West Closure Complex in Belle Chasse, part of the $14.6 billion overhaul of the levee and risk reduction systems initiated after Hurricane Katrina. The complex, with its 11 powerful pumps, is designed to divert storm surge away from the Harvey and Algiers canals, which traverse Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes.

The pumping station is capable of moving 19,140 cubic feet of water per second, enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool in just four seconds. This capability provides critical protection against storm surge for the West Bank area.

Each of the 11 pumps is powered by a 5,500-horsepower diesel engine. The activation process involves an air compressor creating a vacuum to draw water through the station.

During Hurricane Ida in 2021, the worst storm surge on record for the West Bank, the station’s pumps diverted nine feet of storm surge, running continuously for 18 hours. According to the levee district, the station can handle up to 16 feet of storm surge.

The West Closure Complex is one of 78 pump stations in the broader New Orleans area that are part of the post-Katrina risk reduction system. The successful test run indicates that the complex is ready to operate in the event of severe weather during the upcoming hurricane season.

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