Special Public Notice - Hurricanes Gustav and Ike

September 16, 2008

The Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources has determined that damage to the general and energy infrastructures in the Louisiana Coastal Zone by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike has resulted in an emergency situation and that damage resulting in a threat to life, property or the environment is covered by the emergency use provisions of the Rules and Procedures For Coastal Use Permits.

Because of the widespread destruction associated with Hurricanse Gustav and Ike, the Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Management Division is temporarily modifying its usual emergency authorization procedures for storm related repair/restoration projects located in the Coastal Zone.  This modification applies ONLY to those activities needed to restore infrastructure.  The Department requests that emergency users be as environmentally sensitive as possible in conducting repair/restoration operations.

In the event that emergency repairs are needed, emergency users are authorized to commence the necessary work at the earliest opportunity.  The Coastal Management Division reminds emergency users to provide the Department with notification via letter, email or fax as soon as possible for documentation purposes.  The notification should include the name of the entity undertaking the repairs/restoration activity, a description of the work performed and a vicinity map showing the location of the emergency work.

The Secretary is also authorizing those activities necessary to prevent additional damages.  In the event that new construction is needed, an after-the-fact permit application might be required.

Activities that qualify may be issued an After-the-Fact authorization under General Permit 29.

Notifications should be directed to:

Christine Charrier
PO Box 44487
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487
Fax:  225-342-9439
christine.charrier@la.gov