Oyster Shell Dredging in Atchafalaya Bay and Adjacent Waters, Louisiana. Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Appendixes,
Abstract
Oyster shells have been removed by means of hydraulic cutter-head dredges from the waters of coastal Louisiana since 1917. The shells have been harvested primarily for use in construction activities, although a variety of other used are common. There has been considerable controversy over the impacts of shell dredging. This Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared to assess the impacts of oyster shell dredging in East Cote Blanche Bay, Atchafalaya Bay, and Four League Bay, Louisiana as permitted under 5-year permits issued in 1982 that will expire in December 1987. The document also assesses the impacts of applications for 10-year permit extensions that would allow continuation of dredging under the same conditions. These permit actions are being considered under the authority of the Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act and Section 404 of the Clear Water Act. Numerous alternatives have been discussed and evaluated in the document. Keywords: Benthos; Cultural Resources; Economic Environment; Endangered Species; Fisheries; Hydrological Resources; Oyster Reefs; Pollution; Refuges; Sediments; Turbidity; Water Quality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA181854
Entities
People
- Gary D. Goeke
Organizations
- New Orleans District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers