Southwest Coastal Louisiana Feasibility Study

A new Colonial-Nesting Waterbird site in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, discovered and evaluated by BEM as part of the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Feasibility Study.

The Southwest Coastal Louisiana (SWCL) Feasibility Study integrates two purposes: flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration. The flood risk reduction component was authorized in 2005 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representatives, Resolution, Docket 2747, Southwest Coastal Louisiana. A reconnaissance study was completed in 2007, and as a result, it was recommended to move forward into the feasibility phase. The ecosystem restoration component was authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, which built upon the 2004 Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Study Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. The Integrated Feasibility Study was initiated in January 2009. The State of Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) is the 50/50 cost share partner on the Study with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

BEM Systems, Inc., (BEM) was tasked by the CPRA to assist with alternative development, evaluation and screening of alternatives, as well as to compile existing data, perform Wetland Value Assessments, perform Cost Effectiveness/ Incremental Cost Analysis, assist with the Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). As part of interagency coordination, BEM drafted a Biological Assessment and permit applications, conducted a Colonial-Nesting Waterbird Survey, and performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). These items were documented in the Integrated Final Feasibility Report and EIS, which will be used to support the USACE Chief of Engineers Report, which is required for construction appropriation.