Federal Permitting Process
Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the proposed terminal must go through a detailed impact analysis. This process will help the Army Corps of Engineers decide if it will issue permits for construction.
Environmental Review Process
What is Involved?
The environmental review process studies the potential impacts of a project on the physical, cultural, human, and natural environments. The Army Corps of Engineers is the lead federal agency for the permitting process related to the proposed Louisiana International Terminal project.
This process involves a variety of studies to understand the impact of the terminal both on and off the terminal. The results of those studies will be summarized in a government document that the Army Corps of Engineers will use to decide if the necessary permits should be awarded.
What will be studied:
Community
Assets
Economy
Traffic
Drainage
Wildlife
Wetlands
Air Quality
Other Issues Identified by the Public
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 2022
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2. Public Notices Issued
The Army Corps of Engineers issued two public notices between January and April 2022. Comments collected during these periods help the Army Corps of Engineers decide the type of report to require.
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3. Environmental Study Process
Studies are conducted to gather data on the project's impacts. The Army Corps of Engineers will analyze the data.
Expected to begin in early 2023
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4. Final Report
The final government document summarizing the study findings is published for the public.
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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.
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
Louisiana International Terminal Open Houses
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our LIT Open Houses! Although nearly 200 St. Bernard residents joined us, we understand that not everyone could attend these in-person. That’s why we created an online version of the events with the same information!
