Responsible Agency:
Cooperating under NEPA
Description:
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to consult with NOAA Fisheries when any project or action they take might affect an ESA-listed species under NOAA Fisheries’ jurisdiction, or might affect such species’ critical habitat. ESA-listed species and critical habitat exist throughout much of the area affected by the proposed Mid-Barataria project. The proposed action may affect these resources, therefore Section 7 consultation is required.
Milestones:
-
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
:
Official Notice of Availability of a Draft EIS published in the Federal Register (FR) beginning both the public comment period and concurrent CAA Section 309 Review (Agency Action)
- Completed Date: 03/05/2021
This is the date that NMFS anticipates receiving the Draft Biological Assessment (BA), developed through multiple collaborative iterations with the state and action agency. NMFS performs final review and determines sufficiency of BA.
This is the date that NMFS anticipates receiving the Final BA with the request for formal consultation from the USACE. Consultation initiation is contingent upon NMFS receiving sufficient information to initiate ESA consultation.
Final NLAA/Biological Opinion Issued. The final completion date is contingent upon NMFS receiving sufficient information to complete ESA consultation.