The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has released a draft restoration plan proposing construction activities for the restoration of wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The Draft Phase 2 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #1.2: Spanish Pass Ridge and Marsh Creation Project and Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project (PDF, 143 pages) is available for public review, and comments will be accepted through November 20, 2019. We'll hold a webinar on the draft plan on October 28. Registration information is below.
The proposed Spanish Pass and Lake Borgne projects are components of larger marsh restoration strategies, and were approved for engineering and design in the 2017 Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group Final Restoration Plan #1: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; Habitat Projects on Federally Managed Lands; and Birds (also referred to as the Phase 1 Restoration Plan #1).
Based on the engineering and design work funded by Phase 1 Restoration Plan #1, we have been able to conduct analysis required by the Oil Pollution and National Environmental Policy Acts on potential construction activities. The Draft Phase 2 Restoration Plan #1.2 is also consistent with the Trustees’ Programmatic Restoration Plan. It proposes design alternatives for construction of the Spanish Pass and Lake Borgne project increments, including a preferred alternative for each.
- The Spanish Pass Project would reestablish ridge and intertidal marsh habitats in the Barataria Basin through multiple increments. The primary goal of the proposed Spanish Pass increment in this plan is to create and nourish approximately 139 acres of historical ridge and 1,794 acres of marsh. The estimated cost is approximately $105 million. The overall, comprehensive Spanish Pass Project strategy is to restore approximately 7,134 acres of ridge and marsh habitat.
- The Lake Borgne Project would reestablish the bay rim and intertidal marsh habitat for the southwestern shoreline of Lake Borgne in three increments. The proposed Lake Borgne increment being considered in this plan would create an estimated 2,935 acres of restored marsh habitat, with an estimated cost of approximately $110 million. The overall, comprehensive Lake Borgne project strategy is to restore approximately 6,225 acres of marsh habitat.
Public Comment Period and Webinar
Public comments will be accepted through November 20, 2019. Public comments can be submitted online and through the mail.
- Online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/
LATIGPhase2-1-2 - Mail:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 29649
Atlanta, GA 30345
We will conduct a public webinar on October 28 at 4:00 p.m. CT. We will present the draft plan and take written comments submitted through the webinar. Please register for the webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4633351197181038605.
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation with directions for joining the webinar. A GoToWebinar system check is recommended before attending. The presentation will be posted on the web shortly after the webinar is conducted.