Terrebonne Houma Navigation Canal Island Restoration Project in Draft Restoration Plan Proposed by Louisiana Trustees 

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Published August 26, 2022

Terrebonne Houma Navigation Canal Island Restoration Project in Draft Restoration Plan Proposed by Louisiana Trustees 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana  – The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) stated on August 25, 2022, that the Deepwater Horizon Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group is proposing the Terrebonne Houma Navigation Canal (HNC) Island Restoration project to restore birds harmed by the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. The project is part of a draft restoration plan that is now open for public feedback until September 26, 2022.

The Trustees will have a public webinar on the plan on September 8 at 2:00 p.m. CT, followed by the Louisiana Trustees’ Annual Public Meeting at 2:30 p.m. CT.

The plan is a continuation of Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitats, and Birds. The Terrebonne HNC Island Restoration Project was chosen for engineering and design financing under the Birds Restoration Type in that plan. This Phase 2 Plan assesses a fair set of design possibilities for expanding the Terrebonne HNC Island.

The preferred alternative, design alternative 7A, is suggested for construction at a cost of around $34 million. This option would restore and protect bird nesting and foraging habitat. The island’s acreage would expand from 27.6 to roughly 41.4 acres after restoration. Shoreline protection elements include a rock dike along the island’s perimeter and, on the northeast side of the project area, breakwaters outside of the perimeter rock dike. This breakwater would provide calm water for lounging, safeguard tidal exchange places with marsh habitat through low points in the outer rock dike, and extend the island’s longevity.

A second alternative, a variation in acreage, habitat types, and shoreline features, as well as a no-action option, were also investigated.

The public is encouraged to evaluate and comment on the draft plan until September 26. Comments can be submitted online, by mail, or during the public webinar.