U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers
New Orleans District
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160

Regulatory Branch
James Barlow, PhD
Brenda Archer

Phase III

Phase III, Environmental Documentation, of the I-12 to Bush Corridor Study was initiated in 2005. During the early stages of the Phase III process, environmental and engineering studies were conducted to determine a preferred alternative. The preferred alternative, Alternative "P," was derived through an extensive alternatives evaluation which compared the final five alternatives identified in Phase II and made adjustments to minimize impacts to the human and natural environment.

In October 2006, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, Regulatory Branch (CEMVN) received a request for a Department of Army (DA) permit from the LADOTD to construct a modern, high-speed, 4-lane arterial highway from LA 21 in Bush, Louisiana to I-12 in St Tammany Parish. The project proposed work in wetlands and structural crossings of various waterways in the project area and a DA permit is required before work can begin. Because the proposed project would require federal involvement for the DA permit, it is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In November 2006, the CEMVN published a public notice advertising LADOTD's "Preferred Alternative." Several comments were received by participating and cooperating agencies regarding concerns for cumulative and secondary impacts.

In August 2008, CEMVN completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) addressing alternatives and potential impacts associated with LADOTD's "Preferred Alternative." The EA concluded that LADOTD's "Preferred Alternative" would likely result in significant environmental direct and secondary impacts to the social, physical and natural environments of the region. In addition, the proposed project would likely have significant regional adverse cumulative effects. NEPA requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for proposals which have the potential for significant impacts that are subject to federal funding, control, responsibility and permitting.

In November 2008, CEMVN published a Notice of Intent to prepare a Draft EIS in the Federal Register. In January 2009, CEMVN and LADOTD conducted a scoping analysis meeting to engage members of the public and other interested parties in the scoping process for developing an EIS addressing the proposed construction of a highway between Bush, Louisiana and I-12, in St. Tammany Parish. The EIS will be used to ensure compliance with the NEPA, to determine the least damaging, yet practicable alternative and as a basis for the permit decision. Comments received during the scoping meeting and comment period following the meeting will be addressed in the appropriate sections of the Draft EIS.

 

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Project History Phase 1 Project History Phase 2