Impact Studies
As part of the design and permitting process for the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), Port NOLA engaged independent subject matter experts to evaluate how the project could affect the surrounding area during both construction and operation. These studies have guided, and continue to guide, the project’s design and construction, while also identifying necessary mitigation measures.
Port NOLA has shared these studies with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of the ongoing federal permitting process.
Community Involvement
Over the past four years, Port NOLA has worked closely with the community through numerous open houses, stakeholder meetings, community events, job fairs and two Community Advisory Committees, one made up of Violet residents and another of St. Bernard Parish residents. In May 2021, Port NOLA also opened a Community Connection Office in Violet, near the proposed terminal site, where residents can speak directly with port staff and ask questions.
Community feedback from these meetings and multiple public comment periods helped shape the topics and priorities of the studies. Findings are being used to inform a terminal design that enhances environmental stewardship and supports surrounding communities.
Before construction can begin, Port NOLA needs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue a variety of permits. Federal law requires the Army Corps of Engineers to weigh the project’s potential impacts on the natural and human environments as part of the permitting process.
What the Studies Cover
The following studies have been provided to USACE for consideration (Click on the embedded links to view the reports):
A technical assessment of site conditions to identify the appropriate design elevations for the LIT facility, ensuring the terminal is properly designed while reducing the risk of hurricane, riverine and interior flooding.
Detailed air emission calculations which show that emissions from construction and operation of the terminal are not expected to exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Examines how changes to drainage and water flow would affect nearby areas. The study found that stormwater will be properly managed and will not cause flooding on nearby properties.
Provides day and night images showing what the terminal will look like from nearby vantage points. The results help identify ways to reduce visual effects through landscaping or screening.
Results of simulated Ultra Large Container Vessel docking and undocking scenarios conducted by members of the Crescent River Port Pilots, demonstrating the suitability of the Violet site for the LIT facility operations.
Models noise levels in the air and underwater during both construction and operation to understand and support effective sound management.
Assesses roadway conditions between Interstate 510 and the LIT site and outlines opportunities for future intersection improvements at key intersections including E. Judge Perez Drive at Paris Road and Palmisano Drive.
Reviews potential effects from construction and operation of the project on protected wildlife species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The study found that the project is not likely to adversely affect the West Indian manatee, eastern black rail, or pallid sturgeon. It also concluded that the project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of three species proposed for listing under the ESA (tricolored bat, alligator snapping turtle, and monarch butterfly).
Analysis of existing and potential environmental vibration conditions during construction and operation of the LIT. The analysis showed that vibrations from new rail lines and trucking activities would not be perceptible at nearby homes and recommends vibration monitoring during construction for some homes closest to pile driving activities.
Summarizes the economic impact of construction and operation of the LIT. Construction of the LIT is anticipated to generate $7.6 billion in U.S. output over the entire construction period, including $920 million in new output in St. Bernard Parish. Operation of the project is forecast to generate $169.4 billion in new U.S. output, including $68 billion in St. Bernard Parish.
Examines potential correlation to changes in nearby property values during construction and operation.