Comments sought for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Comments sought for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Corps and LA TIG to host virtual meetings to discuss the regulatory process and receive comment

NEW ORLEANS – The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana (CPRA) has applied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for permits and permission to construct, maintain and operate the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish. 

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, USACE has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement to inform its permitting decisions.  In addition to informing the USACE decisions, the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) has prepared a Draft Phase II Restoration Plan #3.2: Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion (Draft Restoration Plan) that evaluates granting funding to construct the proposed MBSD Project. The LA TIG has cooperated in preparing the Draft EIS, and intends, after independent review, to adopt the EIS to satisfy its NEPA obligations for the Restoration Plan.

A 60-day public review and comment period for the Draft EIS and Draft Restoration Plan will begin on March 5, 2021 and end on May 4, 2021. All comments submitted electronically, by phone or by mail via the U.S. Postal Service on or before May 4, 2021 will be considered.

At any time during the comment period, interested parties can provide their official comments using one of the following:

• Submit comments electronically: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/MBSD
• Submit written comments by mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, Attn: CEMVN-ODR-E, MVN-2012-2806-EOO, 7400 Leake Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118
• Submit oral comments via the toll-free phone number: 1-866-211-9205

Additionally, the Corps and LATIG will jointly host three virtual meetings to receive public comment.  Attendees may participate online via WebEx or by telephone.  The meetings will be held on April 6 at 9 a.m., April 7 at 1 p.m., and April 8 at 6 p.m.  Information on how to join via computer or telephone will be posted to the USACE website approximately two weeks prior to the meetings.

For a copy of the Draft EIS as well as public meeting log-in/call-in information, please visit the project webpage at:

https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permits/Mid-Barataria-Sediment-Diversion-EIS/

The draft restoration plan and supporting documents can be downloaded at:

https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration-areas/louisiana

Hard copies of the Draft EIS and Restoration Plan can be viewed at the following eight libraries.  Individuals seeking to access these copies should contact the specific location regarding viewing hours and COVID-19 restrictions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Interested parties unable to participate in the virtual Public Meetings can access the pre-recorded presentations, the MBSD Draft EIS, a link to the Draft Restoration Plan, and additional information on the proposed MBSD Project on USACE’s Project webpage at:

http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permits/Mid-Barataria-Sediment-Diversion-EIS/

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