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Wetlands State Resource Locator

Louisiana

Note: Most states have enacted laws and regulations to protect wetlands. In many cases, these rules are established to define the state's role in the "404 permit/401 certification process." This process involves the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and your state environmental agency. To learn more about the wetlands permitting process go to the CICA Wetlands Regulations/Permit page.

Primary State Wetlands Web Page. This web page should explain the state wetlands program and provide links to various wetlands resources.

Construction Permit Process - State Rules

  • How Are Wetlands Activities Regulated by Louisiana? The Louisiana Coastal Management Division is responsible for the implementation of the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program. The program covers wetlands within the state's coastal zone areas. Local governments also participate in the permitting process through the adoption of local coastal zone management programs.

  • Mitigation Measures. A coastal use permit cannot be issued unless any measures to avoid and minimize adverse impacts, appropriate efforts to restore impacted sites, and requirements for compensatory mitigation to offset any loss of wetland ecological value that is expected to occur have been identified.

Regulatory Definitions

  • Wetlands. Wetlands are open water areas or areas inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.

  • Wetland Categories.

  • Regulated Wetland Activities. Permits are required for dredging or filling and discharges of dredged and fill material; levee siting, construction, operation, and maintenance; hurricane and flood protection facilities; urban developments; energy development activities; mining activities; waste water discharge; surface water control or consumption; shoreline modification projects or harbor structures; waste disposal activities; recreational developments; industrial developments; any other activities that impact barrier islands, salt domes, and beaches; any other activity or project that requires a permit or other form of consent from the Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA or the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources; and drainage projects.

  • Exempt Wetland Activities. A coastal use permit is not required for activities wholly on land five feet above sea level unless the DNR secretary finds the activity has a direct and significant impact on coastal waters; activities occurring within "fast lands" except when the secretary finds the activity would have a direct and significant impact on coastal waters; agricultural, forestry and aquaculture activities; hunting, fishing, trapping, and the preservation of scientific areas; normal maintenance and repair of existing structures; uses and activities within the special area established R.S. 49:214:29(c ); construction of a residence or camp; construction and modification of navigational aids; construction, maintenance, repair, and normal use of a dwelling or business, when these activities occur wholly on lands five feet or more above mean sea level; and uses that do not significantly impact state waters.

Wetland Regulatory Background Information

Other Wetland Resources

Organizations/Non-Government Programs

  • Water Environment Federation. The WEF Web site provides access to a wetlands related technical discussion area, as well as publications and other information on wetlands.

  • Wetlands Regulation Center. The Wetlands Regulation Center Web site contains information on laws, policies and regulations concerning activities regulated under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act.

  • The National Association of Wetland Managers. The National Association of Wetland Managers web site provides information on wetlands news and events, including new regulations/legislation, upcoming conferences and events, publications, and more.

  • Society of Wetland Scientists. The Society of Wetland Scientists Web site provides access to on-line scientific wetlands journals and a wetlands discussion forum, as well as information on upcoming wetlands conferences and events.

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