The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (Louisiana TIG) has released the Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #4: Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source) and Recreational Use. This Draft Restoration Plan describes and proposes restoration project alternatives considered by the Louisiana TIG to improve water quality by reducing nutrients from nonpoint sources and to compensate for recreational use services lost as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. At this time, we are releasing the Draft Restoration Plan early and requesting public comment beginning April 20, 2018, through May 21, 2018.
Recreational Use Restoration
The Deepwater Horizon spill oiled shorelines and resulted in the closure of waterways, parks, and other coastal areas in Louisiana resulting in decreased access to recreational fishing and camping, as well as other outdoor activities which diminished the public’s recreational opportunities and use of natural coastal resources.
To help restore those losses, we are proposing approximately $38 million in project alternatives which emphasize the creation and enhancement of recreational opportunities, including:
- Fishing, beach-going, camping, and boating;
- Public access to natural resources for recreational use;
- Infrastructure for improved of recreational experiences; and
- Educational and outreach components to help encourage the use and stewardship of natural resources.
Nutrient Reduction Restoration Strategies
Excess nutrients flowing into Louisiana’s coastal estuaries cause harmful algal blooms and oxygen-depleted water, negatively impacting spawning of our fisheries’ habitats and food sources already injured by the 2010 oil spill.
We are proposing approximately $9.5 million in project alternatives designed to help restore and enhance water quality in Louisiana’s coastal watersheds by reducing nutrient and nonpoint source pollution runoff on agricultural lands, focusing on the following strategies:
- Nutrient Reduction on Dairy Farms (Two projects in three parishes)
- Nutrient Reduction on Crop and Grazing Lands
- Winter Water Holding on Cropland
Public Meeting
The Trustees will hold a public meeting to facilitate public review and comment on the Draft Restoration Plan at the Tulane River and Coastal Center on April 24, 2018; Open House 5:30 p.m., Meeting 6:00 p.m.; 1370 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #4: Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source) and Recreational Use
Draft Restoration Plan #4: Appendices A-E
Draft Restoration Plan #4: Executive Summary
Draft Restoration Plan #4: Fact Sheet
Draft Restoration Plan #4: Vietnamese Fact Sheet
