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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
We are studying potential impacts on recreational and tourist activities. The new terminal layout includes:
We are conducting site studies to understand:
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:
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.
If you have questions about this project's docket, contact the Army Corps of Engineers.
Reference Permit Number MVN-2021-00270-EG
United States Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District, Regulatory Division (RGE) Angelle Greer 7400 Leake Avenue New Orleans, LA 70118The Louisiana International Terminal will need federal permits because its proposed footprint overlaps with the Mississippi River, Mississippi River levee, and wetlands.
A Wetlands permit is required since the project will be built where there are currently wetlands.
A Navigable Waterways permit is required since the project will be built along the Mississippi River.
A Civil Works Projects permit is required since the project will overlap with the Mississippi River Levee.
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.
The St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, a long-needed roadway for St. Bernard parish taht will connect the new $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) to the interstate system, will receive $15 million in federal funding as part of the recently passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Act for 2024.
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) today announced that it has been awarded an additional $226,220,195 million in federal grant dollars to assist in building the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), which will create thousands of jobs, drive the economy and position Louisiana as the premier international Gulf gateway.