NOLA Editorial - Louisiana Coast Will Keep Eroding While Waiting For Restoration Project Permits

[hatrack]

Louisiana's Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project was approved for fast-track status by the federal government in January. But that doesn't mean the process will move quickly. The timeline laid out by federal agencies shows that permits for the work will be issued Oct. 31, 2022. That is a year longer than state coastal officials expected.

The federal review process is set up to protect the environment, but the long wait will lead to more damage to Louisiana's coast. "During that additional time, critical wetlands will be lost in Barataria Basin," the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority said in a report sent to the Trump administration Friday June 16).

The Mid-Barataria diversion doesn't even involve federal funding. "It is unreasonable, unwarranted, and unacceptable for the people of Louisiana to be subjected to a prolonged permitting process for a key state-approved restoration project, which does not use federal funds," CPRA said. We agree, and would add one more: It is unconscionable.

One major problem is that complex restoration projects involve numerous federal agencies that may have different missions -- and may issue conflicting decisions. But there is a better way. The federal government could create a "one stop shop" for regulatory approvals and permitting of large-scale ecosystems projects, CPRA said. That could be done on a regional basis for the Gulf Coast or could include the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the Jersey shoreline and other areas facing similar erosion problems, the report said.

EDIT

http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2017/06/coastal_restoration.html#incart_river_index

[Turbineguy]

1. Just add

"... and drill a few oil wells..."

They'll get permitted after lunch.