When an activity is selected for possible inclusion in a general permit, a number of considerations are made and a considerable volume of information and amount of coordination is required. First, there must be a significant number of CUPs issued for a particular activity and the methods of conducting the activity must be similar. Once it has been determined that a general permit should be considered for a particular activity, old permits are reviewed to determine the technical parameters of the activity and to develop limitations on the scope of the activity. The preliminary parameters are then written into a work statement for a proposed GP and it is circulated to potential user groups for comments. After the user groups have had an opportunity to comment and experts have been consulted, a draft GP is prepared. It is again circulated to the user groups and to individuals who may be affected by included activities. When all parties are satisfied that the GP is adequate to cover the intended activities, the draft general permit is then advertised in the official State Journal (The Advocate) and copies are mailed with the weekly public notice mailing. After all comments are received, considered, and any revisions made, the GP is issued. Applicants may then submit an application for an activity. After careful review and favorable recommendation by a permit analyst, the applicant may be issued authorization under the general permit.
In lieu of a public notice for each individual activity, the nature and scope of the general permit is put on public notice. This allows the public to review and comment on the necessity for the activity and the magnitude of the activities to be considered for authorization under the GP. This process of public review and peer review of the activity ensures the activity's acceptability and that the technical parameters cited in the work statement are the minimum necessary for the activity to be successfully accomplished. Resource agencies are also assured of adequate protection of their mandated interests.
Copies of applications for activities that initially appear to qualify for authorization under a GP and notice that the activity is being considered for GP authorization are sent to commenting agencies, affected landowners, and the applicant. These groups are given either a five or fifteen-day period to review the application for comments or objections. Areas that are administratively or environmentally sensitive are afforded additional protection with the requirement that the appropriate resource agency provide written authorization for the issuance of approval of the activity.
The 12 GPs currently being utilized by CMD are:
GP-5, authorizes ring levees and board roads for oil and gas activities,
GP-6, for the placement of flow lines used for oil and gas activities,
GP-7, authorizes the construction of parallel slips used for oil and gas activities,
GP-8, for Christmas tree projects,
GP-9, authorizes small non-commercial boat slips,
GP-10, authorizes maintenance dredging of canals used for oil and gas activities,
GP-11, authorizes mitigation projects for permitted activities,
GP-12, for field wide maintenance dredging,
GP-13, authorizes maintenance dredging of canals used for drainage and sediment
diversion,
GP-14, authorizes dredging for the installation and maintenance of utility lines, cables,
water pipelines, and fiber optic cables,
GP-15, for maintenance dredging of short canals, slips, and channels used for
commercial and private purposes, and
GP-16, for the dredging of new channels, and slips used for oil and gas activities in
open water, except in Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.
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LL&E Receives National Award
The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company was presented the 1997 National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Business Conservation Leadership Award at a luncheon held in Kansas City in February during NACD's 51st Annual Meeting.
The National Association of Conservation Districts represents nearly 3,000 conservation districts across the nation. These local subdivisions of state government work to conserve soil, water and other natural resources in their communities. NACD serves as the national voice for these grassroots groups. Each year the Association presents its conservation award to a business corporation that has planned and carried out impressive land, water and related resource management practices on its property in cooperation with a local district or districts.
"We're proud to honor LL&E," said NACD President Gerald L. Vap, who presented the award. "The Company has been a great supporter of conservation efforts in general, and of the conservation efforts of our Louisiana districts in particular. We're very fortunate to have them as a partner." Prior recipients of the award include Proctor and Gamble Paper Products Co., Caterpillar Tractor Company and Goodyear Tire & Rubber. LL&E is the first oil and gas exploration and production company to receive the award.
H. Leighton Steward, LL&E's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President accepted the award and spoke about LL&E's conservation accomplishments over the last five decades. LL&E has installed more than 400 water control structures on its land for erosion control and wildlife management. It also supports the activities of local conservation districts, and has entered into cooperative agreements with several of them. LL&E provides educational materials to districts and has sponsored many district tours, workshops and other events. In addition, the Company donated the use of its land and buildings for the establishment of a plant materials and research center.
LL&E, based in New Orleans, is one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the United States. It is also the largest private owner of coastal wetlands in the nation, with holdings of more than 600,000 acres in southern Louisiana. A pioneer in marsh management, LL&E has been a long-term supporter of the Audubon Institute and was one of the first participants in Louisiana's Adopt-A-Beach program.
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Environmental Technology & Business Expo
The Environmental Technology &Business Expo will be held in Thibodaux on Friday April 11 and Saturday April 12, 1997. The venue for the Expo is Nicholls State University and it is free and open to everyone. The Expo is sponsored by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and will feature some of the brightest ideas and innovative technologies that protect the region's environmental and economic well-being. 'Environment' and 'business' come together here since technologies guard the environment from degradation, and business develops and markets these technologies for protection of the environment. The Expo is a chance for business and technology to exhibit and show how they are tackling challenges and facing the demands of protecting our abundant resources.
An interesting feature of this Expo is the inclusion of a small business development workshop. A half-day workshop will be offered where business will instruct participants in the secrets of success in beginning or expanding an environment-enhancing business. Meeting environmental challenges can bring economic gain for individuals and businesses that develop and market real solutions. The region's many natural resources provide opportunity for use and enjoyment.
The Expo builds on the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program's success in bringing together scientists, citizen groups, government, and other stakeholders to make collaborative decisions in order to comprehensively manage the region's resources. Environmental and economic concerns that will be addressed include resource conservation, waste treatment, agricultural practices, seafood and living resource use, coastal restoration and protection, oil and gas production, planning and education, and storm and flood protection for the home or business. Also included are technologies that protect and promote our environment, such as enhanced sewage treatment systems, improved ways to harvest sugar cane, and nature-based tourism opportunities.
If you would like to gain exposure for your business or technology, exhibitor space may be available. Exhibit space is limited, so contact Ann Burruss at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana to find out more about the Expo or to request an exhibitor application form. Attendance at the Expo is free and admission is open to the public. The cost of the business development workshop is $15. Exhibitor fees are $250 for each for-profit organization and $100 will be charged for each non-profit group. Fee waivers will be considered upon request.
For more information on the Expo contact Ann Burruss with the Coalition at (504) 344-6555, fax (504)344-0590, or e-mail her at 102105.2461@compuserve.com. You may also write to EXPO c/o Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, 200 Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, LA, 70801.
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Coastal Wetlands Workshops Coming Soon
The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) will hold its first Annual Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Workshop in Cameron on May 3, 1997. The workshop will be held from 8 a.m -6 p.m. and is the first in a series of workshops that will highlight the Chenier Plain, exploring these ancient oak ridges and the interior marshes they protect. The workshop will include visits to the beaches of Cameron Parish to learn what is being done to slow erosion. Workshop participants will see the only coastal chenier sanctuary for migratory songbirds and butterflies in Louisiana and travel by boat to view marshes being created in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and Mud Lake. Local residents and guest speakers will describe the geology of cheniers, richness of local resources, development of commerce and navigation, and current wetlands restoration methods applied to the coastal beaches, navigation channels, and interior marshes. The cost of the workshop is $30.
CRCL will also be holding its third annual Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Workshop in Lafitte on June 7, 1997. At this workshop, the extensive wetlands and waterways of the Barataria Basin and numerous wetlands restoration projects that are only accessible by boat, including the largest Christmas tree project in the state will be the featured attractions. Guest speakers and local residents will address the future of Barataria's wetlands, water quality and fisheries, and will discuss what citizens can do to help. Field trips include Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, the Jefferson Parish Christmas Tree Project, the Mississippi River diversion at Naomi, and the historic Town of Jean Lafitte. The cost to register is $45. Student, teacher, and low-income discounts are available. The workshop is sponsored with grants from the Jefferson Parish Environmental Department and the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program.
Both workshops are open to all interested in participating on a first-paid basis. For a detailed brochure, registration, or for questions please call the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana toll-free at 1-888-LA COAST (522-6278).
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Office of Coastal Restoration and Management--
Meet the Staff -- Part II
CRD's Engineering Section'sprimary responsibility consists of management activities during the design, construction, operations and maintenance phases of projects selected for funding under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), as well as projects funded solely by the state through its Wetlands Fund. While a substantial portion of the engineering design, surveying, geotechnical and construction inspection work is provided by outside consultants or federal agencies through professional services contracts or cooperative agreements, the Engineering section performs some of this work in-house as staffing permits. When the work is performed by consultants, Engineering section personnel usually act as project managers. A secondary responsibility of the Engineering section is the preparation and review of permit applications and review of environmental assessments which may impact proposed or potential coastal restoration projects, and the preparation of comments for submittal to state and federal agencies.
The section's Engineering Manager is George Boddie. George is a graduate of Mississippi State University. He is responsible for the Engineering Design staff. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his children.
Kenneth Bahlinger is a Landscape Architect. He manages the Vegetation Planting Program and Parish Coastal Wetlands Restoration Program. He has worked for the department for six years.
Scott Vanzant is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He is an Engineer and his job duties include engineering coastal restoration and protection projects.
Warren J. Blanchard has a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from LSU. He is involved in project design. Warren's hobbies are flying, billiards, and physical fitness.
David Burkholder is an Engineer Supervisor. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. David is responsible for planning and implementing five CWPPRA projects.
Renjie Chen is a graduate of the University of Florida. He develops hydraulic and coastal engineering models. He also helps in planning, designing, and evaluating coastal projects.
Brian Kendrick received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Methodist University and a Master's degree from Tulane. As an Engineer Supervisor, he is responsible for implementation, design and construction of coastal restoration projects.
Gus Cretini received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering from LSU. He is an Advanced Engineer and is project manager for coastal restoration and erosion control projects.
Working closely with the Engineering section on a routine basis is the department's Real Estate Section (RES). Under the Office of the Secretary, its primary responsibility is to complete all necessary actions that will allow full access to coastal restoration project lands. This includes drafting and negotiating servitude agreements, letter agreements, mineral operations use agreements, pipeline agreements, and rights of entry for construction that will provide all needed legal access to project areas. RES staff drafts and coordinates memorandums of agreement, interagency agreements, and letter agreements with federal and other state agencies involved in coastal restoration projects.
This section acts as the coordinator between other agencies that include the State Land Office, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, DNR's General Counsel's Office, Mineral Resources, Office of Conservation, and all CRD sections. RES duties also include facilitating private landowner coordination and negotiation.
Helen Hoffpauir is a summa cum laude graduate of USL and earned her Master's degree from the University of Houston. She is a Real Estate Agent. Helen enjoys plays, concerts, and reading.
V.J. Marretta received his B.S. degree in Economics from LSU. He is a Real Estate Agent for the department. He coordinates land rights efforts with landowners and other agencies. V.J. likes community activities and home improvement projects.
CMD's Support Services consists of three sections: Enforcement and Monitoring, Public Information and Education, and Coastal Management Geographic Information and Image Processing System.
The Enforcement and Monitoring section ensures that any unauthorized projects in the Coastal Zone are investigated and action is taken according to the Louisiana Coastal Resources Management Act. The program also monitors activities permitted by the Coastal Use Permit (CUP) Program for compliance with permit conditions. The program also gives the secretary of DNR the authority to enforce legal and administrative procedures, including fines, cease and desist orders, and restorative or mitigation work. The field investigative staff regularly monitors the entire coastal area for compliance with permit conditions, and for unauthorized activities. There are field offices in New Orleans, Houma, Lafayette, and Lake Charles.
CMD's Information program is designed to inform and educate the general public, business and industry about the Division's programs, policies and functions. A series of brochures, a newsletter, and other printed materials are also available free to the public from this section. Among the literature available are brochures on the CUP Program and other CMD programs, including information on how coastal residents can help management efforts. Staff members are available to give slide shows as well as make presentations to classes and other groups. Program managers are available to meet on request with persons wanting more information on CMD's role.
Coastal Management Geographic Information and Image Processing System are two aspects of a computer-based data storage, retrieval and analysis program used to determine the condition of the Louisiana coastal wetlands. Using these highly technical systems, the CMD staff can conduct routine research for many other programs. Creation and analysis of digital maps and use of satellite imagery provide information on rapidly changing coastal habitats, allowing for effective management of the Coastal Zone.
Steve Chustz is the Education Coordinator and handles public information and education. He also monitors shell dredging activities. Steve has 22 years of state service and is a Business graduate of LSU.
Dianne Jones is a Word Processor Operator Specialist. Her job duties include processing public notices and handling purchases for CMD. She likes to travel, sew, and make crafts in her spare time.
Amy Bains is a graduate of LSU. She works as a Coastal Resources Management Specialist. She enters permit applications into the GIS database and monitors mitigation conditions.
Will Himel earned a B.A. degree in Geography and Religious Studies from LSU. Will is a Coastal Resources Management Specialist. He monitors and enforces CUP conditions.
Brenda J. Fox is an Office Computer Support Specialist. She maintains all databases for CMD. She has more than 29 years total service to the state.
Karl Morgan received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Engineering from LSU. He is the Program Manager for the section.
Kirk Kilgen is the Field Investigator for Jefferson and Lafourche parishes. He is a graduate in Marine Biology from Nicholls State University. Kirk enjoys spending time with his family.
Francis Cole, Jr. is the Field Investigator for Terrebonne Parish. He received his B.S. degree in Zoology from LSU. Frank enjoys sports and fishing.
John Stacy is a graduate of McNeese Sate University. He is the Field Investigator for Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. He enjoys photography and the outdoors.
Timothy Killeen received his B.S. degree from LSU. Tim is a Coastal Resources Coordinator and is responsible for Livingston, Orleans, St. Charles, St. John, St. James, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany parishes. He has worked for DNR for six years.
Charles Mestayer is a Coastal Resources Coordinator. He coordinates investigations in St. Mary, Vermillion, Iberia, St. Martin, and Assumption parishes.
Ralph Latapie is the Field Investigator for St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. He coordinates with CMD analysts on permits, violations, and follow-ups.
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This public document was published by the Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box
44487,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA 70804, to inform the public about Coastal Zone
Management
under authority of 16 U.S.C. 1451, et seq., and La. R.S. 49:214.21 et seq.
To subscribe to the paper version of this newsletter, please send your request to
webmaster@dnr.state.la.us.
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