It appears the location for the Hurricane Museum is in the same area as the PPG Fountain and the small playground. Are there any plans to relocate these features? My little great-granddaughter loves playing in the fountain and on the playground, as do scores of other area children.

The city plans to remove the fountain and adjoining playground when development on the museum begins, said John Cardone, city administrator.

“The Millennium Park playground will replace the small playground, and a spray park is included in Phase 2 of the park,” he wrote in an email.

“An additional playground area could be added in the area north of the Civic Center if a suitable location can be identified.”

He said the city will work with the National Hurricane Museum and Science Center’s designers to see if the fountain can be relocated.

• Online: www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Exhaust statute applies to semis

Are there any exhaust system requirements for 18-wheelers that would be enforced by the inspections, or is it “anything goes” as to the noise they are able to create by removing mufflers and enlarging the exhaust pipe to magnify the sound made by the exhaust brake?

Louisiana R.S. 32:352 prohibits loud exhaust systems on cars and trucks, and state auto inspection rules direct mechanics to ensure that all vehicles comply with the law.

“Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise,” the statute reads.

“No person shall use a muffler cut-out, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway of this state.”

Among the things safety inspectors must check for when looking at vehicle exhaust systems, according to Louisiana Administrative Code Title 55:

“The vehicle must have a muffler.”

“No loose or leaking joints in the exhaust system are allowed. Also, no holes, leaking seams, loose interior baffles or patches on the muffler are allowed.”

“The tail pipe end can not be pinched.”

“Elements of the system must be fastened securely, including missing connections or missing or broken hangers.”

“The tail pipe shall extend past the passenger compartment.”

Owners of vehicles that fail their inspection must correct the problem or defect before being issued a certification decal.

• Online: www.legis.state.la.us.

•••

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.

(FROM MGNONLINE)