Public Notice: 401 Water Quality Certification for Project MVN-2024-00905, CC Bel Road Extension Project
Summary
EPA is the certifying authority for those tribes without TAS for CWA Section 401. In this case EPA acts as the certifying authority on behalf of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana (CTLA) for this road extension project, which is seeking authorization under and individual CWA 404 permit; CWA 404 permits are issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps public notice for this project can be found at https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll15/id/10634
This project will create an evacuation route between the CTLA Reservation and Highway 26, the closest recognized hurricane evacuation route. The road is currently a dirt an gravel roadway on portions of the reservation. The project has been designed to meet the 50-year flood plain design standard. It includes approximately 1 mile of new construction in the center portion, a new bridge crossing over Bayou Blue, and an 8 foot wide bicycle and pedestrian pathway. Sections of the planned right of way are on current Tribal Trust land with approximately one mile on existing parish roads (Briscoe Road).
The current roadway becomes impassible during heavy rainfall events, preventing residents from the area from evacuating during hurricanes and other major storms. This roadway will provide access and egress for the primary reservation area which lies near the intersection where the concentration of Tribal Agencies/Departments and Services are located.
As the certifying authority for on behalf of CTLA, the EPA will have to act on this certification request by either: (1) granting certification; (2) granting certification with conditions; (3) denying certification; or (4) expressly waiving certification. Failure to act on the request will result in a waiver. EPA will consider all comments received prior to making a decision on the request for section 401 certification. Project documents are attached to this public notice.
Applicants or Respondents
United States