News
Louisiana Trustees Approve Funding for Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project
On February 1, 2023, the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group, the agencies charged with restoring Louisiana’s natural resources after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, has approved $2.26 billion in funding for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. The implementing partner, the Louisiana Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority (CPRA), will use the funding to construct a large-scale sediment diversion to reconnect the Mississippi River to Louisiana's Barataria Basin estuary. The project represents one of the largest and most innovative coastal habitat restoration efforts ever undertaken. Intended to re-establish historic delta land-building processes by allowing for the controlled release of freshwater, sediment, and nutrients from the
Final Phase 2 Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7.1: Terrebonne HNC Island Restoration Project
The Deepwater Horizon Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has released the Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7.1 approving the Terrebonne HNC Island Restoration project to restore birds injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The plan, Final Phase 2 Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7.1: Terrebonne HNC Island Restoration Project (PDF, 96 pages), is a continuation of Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds. That plan selected the Terrebonne HNC Island Restoration Project for engineering and design (Phase 1) funding under the Birds Restoration Type. This Final Phase 2 Plan evaluated a reasonable range of design alternatives and selects
Louisiana Trustees Release Final Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Restoration Plan
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group, the agencies charged with restoring Louisiana’s natural resources after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, has released the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Final Restoration Plan. The plan evaluates using a large-scale sediment diversion to reconnect the Mississippi River to Louisiana's Barataria Basin estuary to restore wetlands and contribute to the broader restoration of its ecosystem. If it is ultimately permitted and funded, this first-of-its-kind project, estimated to cost more than $2 billion, represents one of the largest and most innovative coastal habitat restoration efforts ever undertaken. The Final Restoration Plan provides an in-depth analysis of the benefits and impacts
Draft Phase 2 Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7.1: Terrebonne HNC Island Restoration Project
The Deepwater Horizon Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group is proposing the Terrebonne Houma Navigation Canal (HNC) Island Restoration project to restore birds injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The project is included in a draft restoration plan, which is now open for public comment through September 26, 2022. The Trustees will hold a public webinar on the plan on September 8 at 2:00 p.m. CT, followed by the Louisiana Trustees’ Annual Public Meeting at 2:30 p.m. CT. The plan, Draft Phase 2 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #7.1: Terrebonne HNC Island Restoration Project, is a continuation of Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats,
Register Today: Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group Public Annual Meeting Webinar September 8
The Deepwater Horizon Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group will hold its annual public meeting on September 8, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. CT via webinar, immediately following the Louisiana Draft 7.1 Restoration Plan presentation, which will begin at 2:00 p.m. CT. Both public engagement opportunities can be accessed via the same registration link below. During the annual meeting, we will present updates on the progress made in the last year by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group. After the webinar presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the Trustees. Date and Time: September 8, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. CT Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1617789947761424400 After registering, you will receive a
Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats
Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has released its latest plan to restore wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats to address injuries caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The plan, Final Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #8: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, selects four projects for implementation with an estimated total cost of almost $75 million: Two projects are selected for engineering and design: New Orleans East Landbridge Restoration will provide engineering and design for a project intended to create and restore marsh habitat that separates Lake Pontchartrain from Lake Borgne and the Gulf
Presentation for Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and the proposed preferred alternatives
Presentation for Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and the proposed preferred alternatives The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) released its Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Wetland, Coastal, and Near shore Habitats on March 18, 2022. The LA TIG accepted public comments through April 18, 2022. A public webinar was held on April 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm CT to present the draft restoration plan and the proposed preferred alternatives. The presentation slides and script from the meeting are available below. RP8 Public Meeting Presentation Final LA RP8 Public Meeting
Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats
Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has released its Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #8: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats. We will accept comments through April 18, 2022. The draft plan includes projects that restore Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats restoration type. It includes four proposed preferred alternatives. Two of the preferred alternatives are conceptual projects that would undergo engineering and design (E&D) if selected, and two alternatives that would be analyzed for full implementation if selected. The four proposed preferred alternatives have a total estimated cost
Louisiana Trustees Seek Comments on Proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group is seeking public input on a draft restoration plan proposing an investment of up to $2 billion in the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. If approved, the large-scale project would reconnect the Mississippi River to Louisiana’s Barataria Basin. The project will allow the controlled release of freshwater, nutrients and sediment back into the basin to rebuild wetlands and contribute to the broader restoration of its ecosystem. The Draft Phase II Restoration Plan #3.2 is available for public comment for 60 days through May 4, 2021, with virtual public meetings to present the draft plan and
Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group Asking for Restoration Ideas
Posted by: Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group February 1, 2020 Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group Asking for Restoration Ideas The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group is continuing restoration planning to address injuries caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and we would like your input regarding natural resource restoration opportunities in Louisiana. We will consider a range of restoration activities under the Restore and Conserve Habitat, Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats Restoration Type. You can find information on this restoration type and criteria we use to evaluate project ideas in the Trustees’ Programmatic Restoration Plan and its Restoring Natural Resources chapter. You may submit new project ideas, or
Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has released its Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds. We accepted comment from August 20, 2020 through September 22, 2020 and held a public meeting on September 2, 2020. The plan includes projects that restore the Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and Birds restoration types. It includes five projects which have a total estimated cost of $234.6 million. The selected alternatives are: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitat: Grande Cheniere Ridge Marsh Creation – This project will create up to 624 acres of marsh near Bayou Grande Cheniere
Presentation for Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds and the proposed preferred alternatives
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) released its Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds on August 19, 2020. The LA TIG accepted public comments through September 22, 2020. A public webinar was held on September 3, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. CT to present the draft restoration plan and the proposed preferred alternatives. The presentation slides and script from the meeting are available below. RP7 Public Meeting Presentation Final LA RP7 Public Meeting Script
Updates to the Louisiana Restoration Area plans, projects and activities
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) held its annual public meeting via webinar on September 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. CT. During this meeting, the Trustees presented updates on the Louisiana Restoration Area plans, projects, and other activities. After the presentation, attendees were provided the opportunity to submit written comments in the webinar. The September 9th 2020 Annual Meeting presentation slides and notes are available below. 2020 LA TIG Final Annual Public Meeting Slides LA Annual Public Meeting 2020 Script
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved the Final Phase 2 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #1.2: Spanish Pass Ridge and Marsh Creation Project and Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project.
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved the Final Phase 2 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #1.2: Spanish Pass Ridge and Marsh Creation Project and Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project. We released the draft restoration plan in October 2019 and accepted public comment through November 20, 2019. This final plan includes construction activities for the restoration of wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats injured in the Louisiana Restoration Area as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The plan analyzes restoration project design alternatives for two projects that are components of larger marsh restoration strategies, and were approved for engineering and design
Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds Released
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has released its Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds. We will accept comments through September 22, 2020. The draft plan includes proposed projects that restore the Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitat and Birds restoration types. It includes five proposed preferred alternatives which have a total estimated cost of $234.1 million. The proposed preferred alternatives are: Birds: Isle au Pitre Restoration – This project would enhance nesting conditions on the existing island by elevating portions of the island with dredged sediment and planting suitable vegetation for nesting brown
Register for September 9 Louisiana Annual Public Meeting Webinar
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group will hold its annual public meeting via a webinar on September 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. CT. During this meeting, the Trustees will present updates on the Louisiana Restoration Area plans, projects and other activities. We’ll also provide an opportunity for attendees to submit written comments using the web-based “chat” function in the webinar after the updates are presented. We encourage your attendance and participation. Date: September 9, 2020 Time: 6:00 p.m. CT Register: Please register for the public webinar at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1459442665406903054 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join on the
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved the Final Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #5: Living Coastal and Marine Resources – Marine Mammals and Oysters.
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved the Final Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #5: Living Coastal and Marine Resources – Marine Mammals and Oysters. We released the draft restoration plan in March 2020 and accepted public comment through April 20, 2020. This final plan will replenish and protect living coastal and marine resources (specifically, oysters and marine mammals) in the Louisiana Restoration Area. One project approved in the plan will focus on increasing capacity to respond to marine mammal strandings, and the other three will focus on oyster restoration in the Louisiana Restoration Area. We released the draft restoration plan in
Louisiana Trustees Approve 1,200-acre Marsh Restoration Project in Barataria Basin
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved the Final Phase II Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #3.3: Large-scale Barataria Marsh Creation: Upper Barataria Component. The project was initially evaluated for engineering and design funding in the 2018 Strategic Restoration Plan for Barataria Basin. We then released the draft restoration plan in March 2020 and accepted public comment through April 17, 2020. The approximate 1,200 acre marsh creation project approved in the plan will be implemented by NOAA, in partnership with other federal and state trustees on the Louisiana TIG. The project includes filling areas to create an intertidal marsh platform
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved the Final Supplemental Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Cypremort Point State Park Improvements Project Modifications.
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved the Final Supplemental Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Cypremort Point State Park Improvements Project Modifications. The modifications include replacing the original proposed breakwater system project feature with other recreational use features. We released the draft supplemental restoration plan and environmental assessment for this project on April 17, 2020 and accepted public comment for 30 days. The Cypremort Improvements Project modifications, as evaluated in the final supplemental plan, include an RV campground with approximately 30 new paved pull-through campsites with sewer, water, and electrical tie-ins; two mobile bathhouses with sewer, water, and
Louisiana Trustees Initiate Restoration Plan #7 for Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and Birds
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group is beginning the process of drafting a Deepwater Horizon restoration plan to address the restoration goals of “Restore and Conserve Habitat” and “Replenish and Protect Living Coastal and Marine Resources”. The plan will consider projects under the “Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats” and “Birds” restoration types. Development of the Restoration Plan will be consistent with the Trustees’ Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan, the Oil Pollution Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, their implementing regulations, and all applicable Federal and Louisiana law. We began this restoration planning effort on December 18, 2019, by requesting project
