Federal Permitting Process
The Port of New Orleans has begun a detailed impact analysis for the proposed terminal, which is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This process will help the Army Corps of Engineers decide if it will issue the three permits necessary for construction.
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 has hired an outside consultant to conduct a range of studies 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 studies are complete, the results will be provided to the Army Corps of Engineers to review and utilize as they see fit in their permit decision.
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 2021
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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.
Ongoing
(Began 2023, Expected to be completed in 2025)
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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
Port NOLA Hosted Open Houses in March 2023
The Port of New Orleans hosted three open houses about the Louisiana International Terminal on March 7, 8, and 9, 2023, to reconnect with the community, share recent updates on the Louisiana International Terminal, and show how the Port will continue incorporating community input into the project.
Missed the in-person events?
January 2023 LIT Update
In case you missed our email last month, Governor John Bel Edwards announced a public-private partnership between the State, Port NOLA, and leading global maritime partners to deliver the Louisiana International Terminal. Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) will invest more than $800 million to build and operate the new terminal in St. Bernard Parish.
Ports America, North America's largest marine terminal operator, and TiL, the investment arm of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), currently operate Port NOLA's Napolean container facility in New Orleans and have been valued partners of ours for decades. MSC, the world's largest container carrier, already serves Port NOLA's gateway and has the largest container volume on the river.