Underground Energy, LLC

Applied Hydrogeology Geothermal Innovation

Applied Hydrogeology
Geothermal Innovation

Katrina Levee Breaches Consolidated Litigation

New Orleans, LA
Katrina Levee Breaches Consolidated Litigation
New Orleans

Underground Energy participated in a team of geotechnical experts that successfully defended our client, a large engineering and construction firm, in a civil action with potential damages exceeding $100B arising from two breaches of the levee that separated the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) from the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans.  Our client was a codefendant with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and we developed a strong working relationship with USACE staff, their experts and DOJ attorneys in preparing the defense.

Expert litigation pumping test Katrina levee breaches
One of several pumping tests performed to measure hydraulic properties near two of the Katrina levee breaches.

Underground Energy designed and implemented a drilling and hydrogeologic testing program to characterize hydraulic conditions within and at the toe of the levees.  The work involved multiple slug and pumping tests, hydraulic data analysis, development and calibration of transient seepage models, and work with multiple parties to develop standard operating procedures and to coordinate an intensive field program subject to a court-ordered deadline.

Hydrograph expert litigation New Orleans levee pumping test
Hydrograph from pumping test program

Underground Energy also designed, fabricated, and tested demonstrative analog hydraulic flow simulators that were used during the trial to facilitate Judge Duval’s understanding of the difference between transient and steady groundwater flow.

Demonstrative transient hydraulic seepage simulator fabricated by expert Underground Energy for Katrina Levee Breaches Consolidated Litigation
Underground Energy designed and fabricated this Transient Hydraulic Seepage Simulator demonstrative. This devise was designed based on concepts developed by our lead Expert in the case, Dr. Francisco Silva-Tulla.
expert litigation demonstrative simulates transient seepage in levees
Dr. Francisco Silva-Tulla, lead geotechnical expert, prepares to operate the demonstrative for Judge Duval in the New Orleans Federal Courthouse. The demonstrative was used to facilitate Judge Duval's understanding of the principles and mechanisms of transient groundwater seepage.

Judge Duval’s final decision can be found here.