Corps launches new wetland assessment method
Use of the LRAM will be evaluated over a yearlong assessment period.
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District initiated use the new Louisiana Wetland Rapid Assessment Method (LRAM) to determine impacts to wetlands and calculate compensatory mitigation requirements for activities permitted under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
The Corps will evaluate the method during a one year interim assessment period. Following the interim period, the Corps will evaluate comments received from users of the method for potential improvements to the LRAM process.
The LRAM replaces the use of the Modified Charleston Method for determining wetland mitigation requirements for South Louisiana projects that require Department of the Army permits. The Corps of Engineers conducted multiple public meetings in late October of 2015 about the new process, how it varies from the old method and the interim period of LRAM.
For questions or more information about LRAM please contact Stephen Pfeffer at 504-862-2099 or by e-mail at Stephen.D.Pfeffer@usace.army.mil. The LRAM Guidebook and associated spreadsheets are available at: https://ribits.usace.army.mil.
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Release no. 16-015