If Gulf Coast Can Avoid Rita's Wind and Storm Surge, Soaking Rains Will Aid Katrina Cleanup, Says University of Dayton Water Resources Engineer.

(From AScribe)

DAYTON, Ohio -- A good rain from Hurricane Rita can go a long way in washing away dirt and other residue in the New Orleans area left behind by Hurricane Katrina, according to a University of Dayton civil engineering lecturer specializing in water and environmental resources.

"Of course, that is assuming the pump stations are fully operational," said Don Chase, a former U.S. Army engineer for the Waterways Experiment Station. "The pumps are designed to handle heavy rains."

Chase said fortifying the pumps against being submerged again and clearing all storm drains of trash should be among the region's top priorities in advance of a …