( Mary Landrieu Press Release)

Diary: Page 1: by Stephen Sabludowsky

Day One:  I am “water-logged”. 

Every part of my body feels like “water”.  And, I also must have had “water on my brain” as I, as a sleep-depraved journeyman, misplaced my own video camera full of beautiful movies of the Netherlands and yes, water.

No, I never considered water to be very interesting subject before.  I must confess, my attending this “Codel” with those who are studying the effects of water as a system has certainly piqued my curiosity juices, watering me with questions.  I really wonder, gee, just how can the Netherlands do this stuff they actually do.

Then, perhaps, there is another reason this Codel is so special to me.    

Perhaps it is so since the journey includes presence of a New Orleans native and now the EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson---who is bringing a totally different perspective to the issue of changes to Louisiana and America in the field of aqua and the environment.

Then, again, perhaps, it is also special because US Senator Mary Landrieu is taken a totally different angle to this water study for this four-day study  The Dutch have been helping Louisiana, the Army Corps, and numerous organizations with their water issues, especially since Katrina.   We all know about how their outside barrier breaks the forces of a major water surges.  I know I wish we had one as we approach hurricane season.  Also, with the date approaching this decade when Louisiana will be able to use that Outer Continental Shelf royalties, perhaps, Louisiana should consider adopting technologies similar to that Sea marvel.  Yes, it will cost billions to design and build, but, the damage to New Orleans area due to another major flood would be unfathomable.  This is especially so as our wetlands are now depleted and a major “CAT Something” could just skid up Canal Street.   Unfortunately, in the near-time future, we will not see Netherlands fortress of “Dreamworks” that has worked like a dream for them since they were hit by a major hurricane in the middle part of last century engulfing the nation.  Since then, they have invested billions in stopping the storm surges and if that is what Louisiana needs to do to save our precious investments--then, perhaps, that is what will have to be.  What other solutions do we have?

Today’s trip up the Amstel river was not about the ultra-dam- in- the-sea  but a stop-and-go lesson on how the Netherlands are making water its friend rather than its enemy.  Louisiana was ten feet under due to broken levees and other errors and natural events.  The Netherlands has its water locks and keys down to a science which is why they are considered to be the top in the world whether it is making an oasis out of a desert or reclaiming land into firm neighborhoods from the depths of the blue.

This does not mean that Louisiana or any other state will use or can be able to use every technology in the Netherlands deck.  Not all localities are surrounded by water.  We don’t all have canals for streets as does a fair part of Amsterdam. Plus, many other venues have different climates and topographies to consider.  Still, make no mistake about it.  The Netherlands and many of its businesses and education facilities would indeed financially benefit should that country provide assistance to another country or state in need.

Yet, it is hard to get around the “reality”.  The Netherlands is wet (and conrolled) and not wet behind the ears when it comes to containing the water ecosystem.  With its series of locks, bridges, tilts in the land and raised structures, the country full of the wet stuff is staying dry while letting the world know it provides flowing experiences and years of assistance.

Stay tune for Day 2, tomorrow.  If I find my video camera, you will get a good idea how Holland is not just a land of windmills and proverbial boys with fingers in dikes.  The country is booming.  It has mastered so many of the elements rather than having them master it and its economy shows its efforts and skills  While one gets the sense they would be keen on helping out nations with less skills or experience, and while we know that one size does not fit all problems, there is no doubt, that country is available to lend their skills, experiences and technologies to others who are desperate trying to stay high and even dry.