Conservation Groups Respond to Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Environmental Impact Statement Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Erin Greeson, National Audubon Society, 503.913.8978, egreeson@audubon.org
Emily Guidry Schatzel, National Wildlife Federation, 225.253.9781, schatzele@nwf.org
Elizabeth Skree, Environmental Defense Fund, 202.553.2543, eskree@edf.org

Conservation Groups Respond to Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Environmental Impact Statement Launch

Corps’ intention to conduct EIS seen as crucial step forward

(New Orleans, LA – October 8, 2013) Today, a coalition of leading national and local conservation and restoration organizations – Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation– released the following joint statement:

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced in last Friday’s Federal Register their intention to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion will be the first major controlled sediment diversion reconnecting the Mississippi River with its delta. It is a cornerstone of the state’s master plan for sustaining our coast.

“The Mississippi River Delta Restoration Campaign believes that launching the Environmental Impact Statement is an important step forward for the project. Given the urgency of restoring and sustaining our coast, a thorough and rigorous Draft Environmental Impact Statement should be completed by fall of 2014, with final review and permits issued by spring of 2015. We look forward to collaborating with the Corps and its state and federal partners to achieve this exciting and crucial 2015 construction goal. Our coast can’t wait. It’s time to get together and get it done.”

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The Restore the Mississippi River Delta coalition is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of threatening land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Comprised of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, we are located in Houma, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. See more at www.mississippiriverdelta.org.