NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is requesting public comments for the proposed deepening of the federal navigation channel at Port Fourchon, Louisiana.
A draft Environmental Assessment (EA No. 601) titled “Draft Environmental Assessment Port Fourchon Belle Pass Deepening, Lafourche Parish Louisiana” and draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, is available for public review and comment for 30 days from May 17, 2024, to June 15, 2024. The document provides an assessment of potential impacts associated with implementing the proposed action for the Port Fourchon Belle Pass deepening.
The purpose of the proposed action is to dredge the federal navigation channel to a depth of -30 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW is the average height of the lowest daily tides) for the inland reach (with 3 feet of advanced maintenance, totaling -33 feet MLLW) and to -32 feet MLLW for the offshore reach (with 4 feet of advanced maintenance, totaling -36 feet MLLW) where the channel meets the natural contour of the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to dredging, two pipelines were identified that require removal where they cross the channel. Upon completion of the initial deepening, there would be subsequent routine channel maintenance. The proposed channel deepening would allow for deep draft vessels to navigate in and out of Port Fourchon.
All comments received by the end of the public comment period will be considered in finalizing EA No. 601. Comments received and Mississippi Valley Division, New Orleans (CEMVN) District responses will be included in the final environmental assessment.
Documentation was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality’s Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), provisions of Title 33 CFR Parts 336.1(b)(1) and 337.1, which establish policy, practices, and procedures to be followed on Federal actions involving the disposal of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States as reflected in the USACE Engineering Regulation ER 200-2-2. This draft EA provides sufficient information on the potential adverse and beneficial environmental effects to allow the District Commander, USACE, New Orleans District, to make an informed decision on the appropriateness of a FONSI.
Comments should be mailed to the attention of:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Planning and Environment Division, South
New Orleans Environmental Branch, CEMVN PDS-R
7400 Leake Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
Comments and questions may also be provided by email to: mvnenvironmental@usace.army.mil
An electronic copy of the report and its appendices are located on the New Orleans District website at: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/About/Projects/Port-Fourchon/
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