Hurricane Katrina: New Orleans Engineering and Recovery

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the failure of levees in New Orleans, this radio broadcast discusses how city's levee system came to be; whether it can be improved to prevent the city from becoming flooded in a future storm; and how building on wetlands that could have protected against hurricanes has created more dangerous conditions. The broadcast also discusses public health risks from chemical and biological sources following the storm such as West Nile virus, cholera, and fire ants; the physical damage, including possible effects on fisheries and the oil and gas industry; and problems with U.S. construction and public infrastructure. Reporters, citizens of New Orleans, and experts on the engineering and ecology of the region are interviewed as part of the show. The broadcast segments are 12 minutes and 24 seconds, 17 minutes and 45 seconds, and 17 minutes and 49 seconds in length. Educational levels: General public