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Bayou Bridge Pipeline Permit

The proposed 162.52-mile Bayou Bridge Pipeline project is located in Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Vermilion, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, Iberville, Ascension, Assumption, and St. James parishes Louisiana. The two proposed pump stations are located in Jefferson Davis and St. Martin parishes. The project is located in the following eight watersheds: Lower Calcasieu, Mermentau, Vermilion, Bayou Teche, Atchafalaya, Lower Grand, West Central Louisiana Coastal, and East Central Louisiana Coastal.

Proposed construction of this project requires a Department of the Army permit under Section 404 of the Clean water Act (P.L. 95-17.) The decision to issue a permit was be based on an evaluation of the probable impacts, including cumulative impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest. This decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources.

This web page is dedicated to keeping the public informed about the permitting process and the status of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline application. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Permits and Other Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

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 What is a Section 408 permission?
Section 408 authorizes the Corps (USACE) to grant permission to applicants to modify federal flood control and navigation projects, provided the modifications are not injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the projects.  USACE balances the need of economic development with requirements to minimize impacts on the environment.
 Why is there development of this type on USACE-managed lands?
USACE balances the need of economic development with requirements to minimize impacts on the environment. Every application for use of federal lands, regardless of intended use, must be evaluated by USACE.  If it is determined that the use will not be injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the project, an easement may be granted. 
 What decisions have been made?
No decisions regarding the permit have been made at this time.  USACE is very early in the permit application evaluation process.  Prior to any decisions, we must fully evaluate the comments received as well as conduct all necessary engineering and environmental assessments.  We will remain open and transparent, and provide updates as they become available. 
 Is water quality a consideration of the permitting process?
USACE is not the lead agency for water quality. In Louisiana, the Department of Environmental Quality has the regulatory authority for air and water quality under the Clean Water Act and will conduct the necessary evaluations. Before USACE can make a permitting decision, the applicant must receive a Water Quality Certification from LADEQ. Failure by the applicant to obtain this certification could prevent rendering of a final DA permit decision.
 Did the Corps of Engineers have any input into the design of the pipeline?
No, the Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program authority does not include approval of project civil or structural designs.
 Who selected the overall alignment (route) of the pipeline?
The permit applicant selected the purposed overall alignment (route) of the pipeline.
 

Is the New Orleans District consulting with Native American Tribes?
Per USACE Tribal Policy Principles, the New Orleans District will involve Tribes collaboratively, before and throughout decision making, to ensure the timely exchange of information, the consideration of disparate viewpoints, and the utilization of fair and impartial dispute resolution processes.