Federal Permitting Process
The Port of New Orleans is conducting a detailed impact analysis for the proposed terminal, which is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Port NOLA will share the results of the analyses with the Army Corps of Engineers for consideration in its permitting decision.
Environmental Review Process
What is Involved?
NEPA requires federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers to consider how a project could impact the natural and human environments before issuing permits for construction. The Army Corps of Engineers has asked Port NOLA to move forward with the environmental review process. Port NOLA hired an outside consultant to conduct a range of impact analyses that cover topics like traffic, quality of life near the terminal, natural habitat and wildlife, the economy, and more.
We are going above and beyond the federal requirements by engaging in early and meaningful public involvement throughout the permitting process. Sign up to receive email updates on upcoming community meetings and input opportunities.
When the analyses are complete, the results will be provided to the Army Corps of Engineers to consider in their permit decision among other factors.
Key Milestones
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1. Federal Permit Application Filed
The Port of New Orleans submitted its permit application for the proposed project to the Army Corps of Engineers. This began the federal permitting process.
December 2021
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2. Public Notices Issued
The Army Corps of Engineers issued two public notices between January and April 2022; an additional one was issued in December 2024. Comments collected during these periods help the Army Corps of Engineers decide the type of report to require.
2022 & 2024
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3. Environmental Study Process
Studies are conducted to gather data on the project's impacts on both human and natural environments.
Ongoing
(Began 2023, Expected to be completed in 2025)
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4. Final Report
The final government document summarizing the study findings submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers.
Anticipated 2025
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5. Record of Decision
At the end of the impact study, the Army Corps of Engineers will issue a record of decision which states whether permits will be issued. This will also outline conditions the terminal must meet.
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6. Permits Issued
The Army Corps of Engineers issues the required permits for the project as modified during the review process.
Construction begins. Expected in 2025.
Impacts We've Been Reviewing
Environmental impact analyses are still underway. Click on the topics below to find out how we are looking into the questions you had.
Port NOLA will use what we learn to design a better terminal. We will also share the results with the Army Corps of Engineers for consideration in the permitting process.
The new terminal layout includes more space between neighborhoods and the terminal.
We will conduct detailed studies to understand potential impacts to noise, light, and traffic. Based on the results, we will incorporate project features to lessen impacts. This could include landscaping, sound walls, etc.
We are conducting detailed air quality studies to understand potential impacts. The studies look beyond the boundaries of the terminal. We will consider existing refineries and other potential future developments in the area to understand the collective impacts of the terminal and these other refineries and developments.
We, along with our private partners, are making major investments in green technologies to limit emissions. This includes:
- Shore power
- Electric vehicles and equipment
- Container-on-barge services
- Clean TRIP engine replacement
We are working with the Regional Planning Commission and the Department of Transportation and Development to conduct further traffic studies. Traffic studies are analyzing current and future traffic trends.
The new terminal layout includes:
- An overpass to avoid a rail crossing
- St. Bernard Hwy remaining near the levee
- Support for the design and construction of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor.
A Phase I cultural resource study has already been completed. No significant archaeological resources, historical, or cultural resources were found at the proposed site and no tribal objections have been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps.
We are conducting further cultural resource studies.
The new terminal layout keeps the St. Bernard Highway near its current route.
We are analyzing the project’s potential impacts on wetlands and developing a mitigation plan in accordance with federal regulations.
Port NOLA will fully mitigate all impacts to wetlands within the watershed, as required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in accordance with federal regulations.
We studied other potential locations, and Violet is the best fit because of:
- Naturally deep water at the dock
- Access to four interstates
- Access to six Class-I rail connections
- 100-year level hurricane protection
- Excellent waterside navigation
- No height restrictions for ships, such as bridges
We are studying potential impacts on recreational and tourist activities. The new terminal layout includes:
- Space for a bike and pedestrian path (if desired by the parish)
- Relocation of the Violet playground.
We are conducting site studies to understand:
- Underground soil conditions
- Levee and riverbank stability
- Placement of water, electric, gas, etc., utility lines
- Existing groundwater levels
- Placement of pipelines or other infrastructure in the area
We are completing biological assessments to understand the project’s impacts on threatened and endangered species and their habitats.
We are developing a stormwater management plan and conducting drainage and flood hazard analyses. The new terminal layout includes:
- A new drainage canal to the 40-Arpent Canal
- A new drainage pump station on the 40-Arpent Canal
The new drainage system will not burden the existing Violet drainage system.
An initial navigation study has already been completed. Violet was selected for its deep water and other characteristics that make it safe for large ships to navigate.
We are further analyzing the potential impacts of terminal operations on Mississippi River navigation.
A successful project respects the community’s needs. Port NOLA has been gathering public and stakeholder input for over a year to design a container terminal that works well for the shipping industry, neighbors, region, and state.
To renovate a house or build an addition, a person would need to apply for a permit with finished plans in hand. The federal permitting procedure for the Louisiana International Terminal is different. The terminal will be designed in the course of the environmental study process.
Contact the Army Corps of Engineers
If you have questions about this project's docket, contact the Army Corps of Engineers.
Reference Permit Number MVN-2021-00270-EG
Required Permits
The Louisiana International Terminal will need federal permits because its proposed footprint overlaps with the Mississippi River, Mississippi River levee, and wetlands.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
A Wetlands permit is required since the project will be built where there are currently wetlands.
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act
A Navigable Waterways permit is required since the project will be built along the Mississippi River.
Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Act
A Civil Works Projects permit is required since the project will overlap with the Mississippi River Levee.
Recent Updates
Port of New Orleans Board Appoints Global Maritime Expert Beth Ann Branch as Port NOLA President & Chief Executive Office and CEO of the NOPB
Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) appointed global maritime expert Beth Ann Branch President & Chief Executive Officer of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), effective Dec. 1, 2024. Branch is a globally recognized commercial strategist with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. She replaces Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel Jr., who served as Port NOLA’s Acting President & CEO / Acting CEO of NOPB and moved key strategic initiatives, like the $1.8 billion-dollar Louisiana International Terminal, forward during this transitional period.
Governor Jeff Landry Appoints Michael Thomas as Chairman of the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners
Gov. Jeff Landry recently appointed Michael A. Thomas as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) for a five-year term. With the alignment of Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), Thomas will also serve as Chairman of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission.
Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Legislature Commit $230.5 Million to Port NOLA Infrastructure Projects including the Louisiana International Terminal and St. Bernard Transportation Corridor
The recent 2024 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature committed $230.5 million to Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) infrastructure projects including the Port’s new downriver container terminal, the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) and the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, which is envisioned to connect the $1.8 billion LIT to the interstate system and deliver a road that has long been sought after by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents.
