Cooperating under NEPA
Description:
Section 305(b)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) requires federal agencies to consult with NOAA Fisheries on any action or proposed action that may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). EFH exists throughout the area affected by the proposed Mid-Barataria project. The proposed action may adversely affect these resources, therefore EFH consultation is required. The final consultation completion date is contingent upon NOAA Fisheries receiving sufficient information to initiate EFH consultation.
Milestones:
This is the date NOAA anticipates receiving a Draft EFH assessment, developed through multiple collaborative iterations with the state and action agency. The ability to meet this target date is contingent upon receiving an EFH consultation request, including an EFH assessment by the date indicated.
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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 NOAA anticipates receiving the Final EFH assessment. Consultation Initiation is contingent upon NMFS receiving sufficient information to initiate EFH consultation.
Issuance of Conservation Recommendations is contingent upon NMFS receiving sufficient information, including a sufficient EFH Assessment, to initiate EFH Consultation.