Coastal management program, Orleans Parish

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM

PARISH
ORLEAN S

. .... .. ... ..

MAY 1985

DISCLAIMER

The contents of this manual are offered as guidance. The Louisiana
Department of Natural Resources, nor any of its employees, nor any
of its contractors, subcontractors, or their employees, and all
technical sources referanced in this manuel do not (a) make any
warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the
accuracy, complateness, or usefulness of the information contained
in this report, or that the use of any infrmation, apparatus,
method at process, disclosed in this report may not infringe privately
owned rights; (b) assume any liabilities with respect to the use
of, or for damages resulting from the use of any inforamtion, appara-
tus, method, or process disclosed in this report. This report does
not reflect official views or policy of the above mentioned institu-
tions. Mention of trade names or commercial products doe not
constitute endorsement or recommendationfor use.

ORLEANS PARISH
COASTAL ZONE-MANAGEMENT
CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Fred Swan, Jr.
Chairman

Members Alternates

Byron Almquist Joe Alost
J. Burton Angelle Richard Beavers
Howard Beek Malcolm Bech
Michael S. Brody Clifford Danby
Andrew Brown A. Ray Fontenot
Philip Ciacclo Joseph Givens
Danny Clement Eileen Hollander
Clement A. Cole Rosemary James
T. R. Fiddler Mickey Landry
Marietta Herr Ralph Latapie
Howard McAfee Louis E.,Lemarle
Lloyd Moreau Elias McCollister
Brent Morse Alvin Roussel
Charles Nutter Pauline D. Rushing
Joan Philips Evon F.,Stevens
Gilbert J. Sevier Wallace Treme'
J. Richard Shenkel Lea Young
Robert C. Smith Mary Marro
Helen Stanwood Beth Kesmodel
Glenn Snyder Oscar Medrano
C. H. Young, Jr.

Former Chairmen

The prep@aration of this report
was financed in part through
a grant from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Commerce under the
provisions of the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

List of Figures

List of Tables

Summary of the Local Program i Acronyms, Terms and Definitions Acronyms, Terms and Definitions viii Introduction 1

Management Units 1

PART ONE: THE GEOGRAPHY OF ORLEANS PARISH

The Environmental Setting 5

The Impossible but Inevitable City 5

Geologic History 8

Hydrology 12

Climate 17

Biology 19

Soils 26

Resources 29

Socio-Economic Considerations 34

Historical Development of Orleans Parish 34

Government 38

Population 42

Socio-Economic Characteristics 46

The Economy 50

Land Use 53

Page

Resource Problems and Conflicts 67

Particular Areas 78

Special Areas 80

Goals, Objectives, Policies 83

Overall Goals f or Orleans Parish 83

Fastland Management Units 84

Coastal Zone Management Units 95

PART TWO: ORLEANS PARISH COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Local Program 107

The Permit Process 107

Permit Review 109

Uses Requiring Coastal Use Permits 110

Uses of State Concern ill

Uses of Local Concern 112

Areas that Will Normally Require Permits 112

Ordinances to be Included in the Local Program 113

Administrative Arrangements 115

Multi-Parish Environmental Considerations 117

Regional, State or National Interests 118

The Coastal Zone Ordinance 121

Footnotes

References

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Follows Page

1 Approximate Coastal Zone Boundary of vi
Louisiana

2 Fastlands, Transitional Areas, Coastal viii
Waters and Wetlands

3 Environmental Management Units 2

4 The Maurepas-Pontchartrain-Borgne 5
Marsh-Estuary System

5 The Gulf Coast Geosyncline 8

6 Historic Delta Lobes of the Mississippi 9
Deltaic Plain

7 Development of the St. Bernard Delta Lobe 9

8 Present Day Components of tile Mississippi 10
Delta Complex

9 Components of the Distributary and Inter- 10
distributary Systems

10 Physiography of Orleans Parish 11

11 Climate Analysis 17

12 Mean Wind Velocity and Direction 17

13 Paths of Central Gulf Coast Hurricanes 1831-1979 18

14 Marsh-Estuary Functional Relationships 19

15 Schematic Relationship of Soils to Land Form, 26
Vegetation and Parent Material

16 General Soil Map-Orleans Parish, Louisiana 26

17 Location of Oil and Gas Resources 31

18 Archaeological and Historic Sites 32

19 Generalized Existing Land Use 54

20 Orleans Parish Primary Drainage System 55

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Follows Page

21 Existing Levee System 55

22 Generalized Proposed Land Use 59

23 Flood Insurance Zone Designations 64

24 Orleans Lakeshore Physical Inventory 76

25 Potential Particular Areas 78

26 Coastal Use Permit Process 108

27 Areas that Will Normally Require Coastal 112
Use Permits

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1 Fastlands, Transitional Areas and Coastal ix
Wetland Acreages

2 Fastland, Transitional Areas and Coastal ix
Waters and Wetlands Acreage by
Management Unit
3 Vegetation of OLeans Parish (follows page) 22

4 Census Populations in Orleans Parish 1810-1980 42

5 New Orleans SMSA Population, 1970-1990 43

6 Orleans Parish Population by Management Unit 43

7 New Orleans SMSA Population Projections 45

8 New Orleans Socio-Economic Profile (Summary) 48

9 1975 Land Use 54

10 Total Acreage of Orleans Parish - 1975 54

11 Existing Land Use by Manageirtient Unit - 1975 54

Orleans Parish Future Land Use (follows page) 59

SU MM A R Y

The Federal Program

In 1972 Congress enacted the Coastal Zone T%lanagement Act (CZMA) to
stimulate land use planning and controls in coastal areas. This
act was passed in response to studies that documented the
destruction of estuarine and shoreline areas. A major purpose of
the legislation was to provide greater protection for marine
resources and related ecological values. The Program was set up in
the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Office of Coastal Zone Management.

To qualify for federal grants (up to 80% of the cost of developin@,-
and administering the CZ,14 program) a state program had to be
approved as meeting the following specified federal criteria:

1) An identification of the boundaries of the coastal zone

2) A definition of what shall constitute permissible land
and water uses

3) An inventory of areas of particular concern

4) An identification of the means by which the state
proposes to exert control over the land and water uses.

5) Broad guidelines on priority of uses in particular areas

o) A description of the organizational structure proposed to
implement the management pro,rram

The State Program

In 1978, the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 361 - The Louisiana
State and Local Coastal Resources Vana@ernent Act. This act
contains the following basic elements:

1) A comprehensive set of coastal zone management policies -
These policies guide land and water use decision-naking
within the coastal zone. This policy base includes a set
of enforceable policies referred to as "coastal use-
guidelines" as well as other state regulatory policies
Z@
which have been incorporated into t@ie pro.,rain.

An organized state and local government structure for
implementation of the above_2olicies - This structure
includes the implementation of a new state coastal use
permit program to be administered by the C.oastal
Management Section of the [email protected] of Natural Resources
and coordination procedures to ensure that the activities
of other state agencies and deepwater ports are
consistent with trie coastal -ise gruideltnes. A specif Lc
role is provided for local -over unien ts, who may

voluntarily develop local coastal management programs.
The Louisiana Coastal Commission which represents state,
local and various private interest groups plays a key
role in the development of the guidelines and
implementation.

(3) The delineation of the coastal zone boundary - The
coastal zone is bounded on the east and west by the
respective Mississippi and Texas borders, on the south by
Louisiana's three-mile seaward boundary, and on the
north, generally, by the Intracoastal Waterway running
from the Texas-Louisiana state line then following
highways through Vermilion, Iberia, and St. Mary
Parishes, then dipping southward following the natural
ridges below Houma, then turning northward to take in
their entirety the parishes of St. Charles, Plaquemines,
St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist and
St. James, a portion of the parishes on the northern
shore of Lake Pontchartrain and ending at the
Mississippi-Louisiana border.

In September of 1980, the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program was
officially approved by the Office of Coastal Zone Management.

The Local Program

Parish participation in the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program is
.voluntary; however, activities occurring in coastal areas of
parishes not participating in the program will be managed by the
state. Orleans Parish has, however, long been interested in
managing and maintaining the coastal environment. In 1974 an
initial management plan for coastal areas was developed, and a
three-volume report was published in 1975. This plan was not
adopted, however, since the final form and content of the state
plan was not yet determined and consistency with the state plan was
an important requirement.

During the period 1975-1980, Orleans Parish was -very supportive of
efforts at the state level to enact legislation establishing a
management program for the statels'coastal area.. This effort
culminated in 1978 with the passage of Act 361. As the state
program has evolved, Orleans Parish has remained involved through
representation on the Louisiana Coastal Commission.

In 1977, in conformance with the emerging state plan, a Citizen's
Advisory Committee was formed to help identify Orleans Parish's
coastal problems, to recommend management solutions and to
coordinate parish planning with state coastal planning. The
Advisory Committee, composed of representatives of various interest
groups that live, work or play in the coastal znone, met once a
month (and sometimes more frequently) for a period of over two
years, designing a local program that would ensure sound management
of coastal resources without placing undue hardship on any user.

In December of 1979 the Orleans Parish Coastal Management Program
was presented at a public hearing. The City Planning Commission
received comments on the proposed plan at that time. Due to the
large number of comments received, and also to the fact that the
state program had not yet been approved, the Planning Commission
directed its staff to monitor the progress of the state program and
to revise the local plan as needed to be consistent with the final
approved state program.

This document is the revised Orleans Parish Coastal Management
Program.

Goals of the Local Program

The Orleans Parish Coastal Management Program seeks to strike a
balance between man's use of coastal resources and the maintenance
of a healthv environment. The formulation of this plan was guided
by the following general goals:

1. The maintenance of a high level of quality within estuary
areas in particular and within the City of New Orleans in
general.

2. The formulation of land use policies, guidelines and
techniques appropriate to marsh-estuary areas.

3. The formulation of a means by which energy resources may
be exploited while mitigating or minimizing the negative
environmental impacts.

4. The provision of adequate open space and recreational
areas for the benefit of the citizens of the New Orleans
Metropolitan Area and the State of Louisiana.

5. To protect and promote the wise use of economic and
ecologic resources, both renewable and non-renewable,
represented by the natural environment.

6. The efficient utilization of existing governmental
agencies, in a coordinated fashion, in the management of
sensitive environmental areas.

Fastlands/Transitional Areas/Coastal Wetlands and Waters

In order to begin to target specific areas for management under the
state and local coastal zone programs, it is necessary to identify
and define the Parish's "coastal zone." Figure 1, "Approximate
Boundaries of the Louisiana Coastal Zone," depicts the location of
the Louisiana coastal zone for state planning purposes. The LCRP
further defines "coastal zone" as the "coastal waters and adjacent
shorelands within the coastal zone...which are strongly influenced
by each other, and uses of which have a direct and significant
impact on coastal waters."

iii

Approximate Coa tal Zone Boundary of Lo

L E G

I N L

........ SEA

SOURCE: Louislona Co
Final Environ
GATOPP U.S. Dept. of C
Adm.,Office o
OUGE
Lo.Dept.of Not
Monogeme t S

LAXE
MAURIEPAS
L A K E P 0 N7 C RAIN
If A RT

............ .
I.qi nt

L A K E
er 8 0 R G N E

E
J FFE T BERN
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P RISH PARISH
0

LAOt!!Q@E
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e%

000
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...........
7

A glance at the Louisiana Coastal Boundary reveals that all of
Orleans Parish exists within the Louisiana Coastal Zone. However,
Act 361 and the LCRP make further distinctions as to what areas
shall be considered to be "coastal areas", in order to determine
those areas which will require coastal use permits. These distinc-
tions reqi1ire the Parish to be divided into Fastlands, Uplands,
Transitional Areas, and Coastal Waters and Wetlands. The intent of
these different classifications is to identify areas that do not
"strongly influence" each other and the uses of which do not have
direct and significant impacts on coastal waters, in order to focus
management efforts on those areas most in need of coastal manage-
ment. In Orleans parish, activiites occurring in wetlands and
water bodies outside the protective levee system require a coastal
use permit. Activities in sites within identified transition *areas
require a coastal use permit if they are expected to have a direct
and significant impact upon coastal waters. Activities (other than
existing pumpage of water for drainage purposes) which occur within
fastlands but are expected to have direct and significant impacts
on coastal waters require a coastal use permit.

Fastlands

"Fastlands" are defined by Act 361 as "lands surrounded by publicly
owned, maintained, or otherwise validly existing levees, or natural
formations, as of the effective date of this Act or as may be
lawfully constructed in the future, which levees or natural
formations would normally prevent activities, not to include the
pumping of water for drainage purposes, within the surrounded area
from having direct and significant impacts on coastal waters."

Uplands

While not being specifically defined by the LCRP, "uplands" refers
to lands five feet or more above mean sea level (MSL). This
classification generally applies to parishes that have portions of
the Pleistocene Terrace within their boundaries. The Pleistocene
Terrace does not have a surface expression in Orleans Parish. The
Parish does have some areas of elevation +5 Mean Sea Level (MSL),
but these are mostly associated with natural levee ridges and occur
almost wholly within the levee system and thus would be considered
"fastlands."

Transitional Areas

"Transitional areas" also have not been specifically defined by the
LCRP; however, the local program has the discretion of using or not
using this classification. The term "transitional area" implies a
land type that is somewhere between a wetland and an upland (or
fastland). This classification is uniquely suited to two types of
areas in Orleans Parish. One is the natural levees associated with
abandoned distributaries which exist outside the levee system, but
are not +5 feet MSL. An example of this type of transition area

is the natural levee associated with the abandoned Bayou Sauvage
Bayou de Lassaire distributary. U.S. Highway 90 was constructed
on this ridge system at elevations ranging from +3 to +5 MSL,
using borrow material from Bayou de Lassaire and-the marshes near
the highway. What remains is a strip of land on either side of
the highwdy, between the road and canal, that is of slightly higher
elevation than the surrounding marsh. This land has been tradi-
tionally used for residential and recreational purposes.

The second type of area that is considered "transitional" is spoil
disposal sites. These areas may have been elevated considerably
higher than +5 MSL by spoil deposition, yet they hardly qualify
as uplands. An example of this type of transitional area in Orleans
Parish occurs in Management Unit V,, Viavant. (A complete listing
of the management units is provided in the section "Introduction").
With the dredging of the MR-GO, spoil was deposited on approved
disposal sites in Viavant. This has resulted in elevations of +8*
to +10 MSL in significant portions of this management unit. Such
lands eventually undergo a transition from wetland conditions to
those that support an upland flora and fauna, yet the area is
technically neither wetland nor upland. Not all disposal sites,
however, should be considered as transitional areas.

In both of the above examples, the transitional area may exist
wholly in the coastal zone, but because of natural or man-made
modifications it no longer serves its traditional ecologic role.
In fact, such areas may offer unique development, or recreational
opportunities..

Uses in transitional areas in the Coastal Zone lying above 5 feet
MSL will generally not require a permit unless it is determined
that there will be a direct and significant impact on Coastal
Waters. Uses below 5 feet MSL will require a permit.

Coastal Waters and Wetlands

The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program defines "coastal waters" as
"bays, lakes, inlets, estuaries, rivers, bayous and other bodies
of water within the boundaries of the coastal zone! which have a
measurable seawater content under normal weather conditions over
a period of years." All water bodies outside the levee system in
Orleans Parish are considered to be coastal watE@rs, most notably
Lake Pontchartrain and Lake St. Catherine.

Coastal wetlands are adjacent shorelands that are inundated or
saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and under normal conditions do support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated
soil conditions. In Orleans Parish, all coastal wetlands lie
outside the flood protection levees and are brackish or saline
marshes.

Figure 2, "Fastlands, Transitional Areas and Coastal Wetlands,"
indicates the extent of land coverage of each ofm these classifi-
cations. Figure 2 is illustrative and not to be -used for site
specific determinations. Table 1 gives the approximate acreages,
including the category "Coastal Waters."

COASr4L
..I
COASrAL WArERs

t PON TC H ARTRAIN

ot:
...............
.... .........

COAs rAL WArERs
... .. .. ...........

.. .... ....

...... . . . . . .

COAsrAL IfArERS

. . . . . . . . . .

SOURCE: CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 1981

FASTLANDS, TRANSITIONAL ARE
COASTAL WETLANDS AND@ COASTAL

TABLE 1

FASTLANDS, TRANSITIONAL AREAS AND COASTAL WETLAND ACREAGES

Category Acres*

Fastlands 78,917
Transitional Areas 3,593
Coastal Wetlands 39,732
Coastal Waters 110,400

TOTAL 232,642
Source: City Planning Commission, New Orleans Land Use, Present
and Future, 1980.

A further breakdown of acreages within these categories can be made
by management units, since five of the eight Orleans Parish
management units are wholly contained within the levee system. A
map depicting the management units is given as Figure 3, facing
page 2 of this document. Table 2, "Fastland, Transitional Areas
and Coastal Waters and Wetlands By Management Unit," indicates the
acreages under these headings. The five "fastland" management
units are.grouped under the title "All Others." All acreage totals
are approximate. TABLE 2

FASTLAND, TRANSITIONAL AREAS AND COASTAL WATERS AND WETLANDS
ACREAGE BY MANAGEMENT UNIT

Management Transitional Coast 1 Coastal
Unit Fastland Area Wetland Water Total

V - Viavant 0 3,273 530 370 4,123
VII- New Orleans 0 0 14,655 1,150 15,805
East/Special
VIII-Chef Menteur/ 0 900 23,967 1,860 26,727
Rigolets
All Others 78,917 0 0 0 78,917
78,917 1 4,173 139,152 3,380 125,622
Plus Lakes Pontchartrain 107,020 107,020
land St. Catherine
110,400 232,642

Source: City Planning Commission, New Orleans Land Use, Present_
and Future, 1980.

The Plan

The Orleans Parish Coastal Management Program was designed to
accomplish the following objectives:

1) To utilize the City's existing governmental structure to
make decisions concerning the Parish's coastal zone;

2) To issue Coastal Use Permits for uses of local concern;
and

3) To review and comment on uses of state concern.

This plan has culminated in a proposed Coastal Zone Ordinance,
which establishes guidelines for issuing and reviewing coastal use
permits.

While the proposed Coastal Zone Ordinance is the key element of the
local program, many facets of the plan have already been absorbed
into existing governmental controls and attitudes. Many of the
issues raised by CZM planning have been resolved and included in
the City's governing procedures. Some of these issues include:

1) Limitations on future levee construction in Orleans
Parish have been incorporated into the adopted Land Use
Plan.

2) The Land Use Plan designates the Orleans Parish wetlands
outside the current levee system as a limited development
area.

3) The City has created an interim permit review process
through the Planning Advisory Committee, composed of all
Parish agencies, departments andboards.

4) The Parish has taken a leading role in the establishment
of an Ad Hoc Committee to study possible management
techniques for a Lake Pontchartrain Special Area.

5) The City has cooperated in the process of creating a
Special Area for the Port of New Orleans.

vii

ACRONYMS, TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Act 361 - The State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of

1973, signed into law in 1978. The Act provides the mechanism

by which competing and conflicting coastal uses can be

coordinated and balanced by state and local governments.

Advisory Committee - Act 361 provided that each local government

preparing a local program could appoint a coastal advisory

committee to be composed of persoas representing users of

coastal resources. Representation was to be balanced between

users concerned with conservation and preservation of

renewable resources as well as users concerned with

development of coastal resources for commercial purposes. The

advisory committee was to assist the local government in the

development and implementation of the local program.

Coastal Use Permit - As provided for in Act 3G1, no person shall

commence a use of state or local concern in the coastal zone

without first applying for or receiving a coastal use permit.

Coastal %laters - Bays, lakes, inlets, estuaries, rivers, bayous,

and other bodies of water within the boundaries of the coastal

zone which have measurable seawater content (under normal

conditions over a period of years).

Coastal Zone - The coastal waters and adjacent siiorelands within

the boundaries of the coastal zone as established in Section

213.4 of Act 361, which are strongly influenced by each other,

and in proximity to the shorelines, and uses of which have a

direct and significant impact on coastal waters.

VLii

Commission - The Louisiana Coastal Commission as provided for in
Act 361. The Commi.ssion wa.s abolished and replaced by the
Louisiana Coastal Advisory Committee (LCAC) by Senate Bill

598 of the 1984 Session.

CPC - The City Planning Commission of New Orleans.

CZM - Coastal Zone Management.
DNR - The Department of Natural Resources of the State of en-
Louisiana, under whose authority the development and implem

tation of the CZM program is vested.

Fastlands - Lands surrounded by publiclv owned, maintained, or

otherwise validly existing levees, or natural formations, as

of the effective date of Act 361, or as MELy be lawfully con-

structed in the future, which levees or niLtural formations

would normally prevent activities, not to include the pumping

of water for drainage purposes, within the surrounded area

from having direct and significant impacts on coastal waters.

Wetlands may be found within the boundaries of fastlands.

FEIS - Final Environmental Impact Statement. More specifically,

the LCRP/FEIS - the final document containing the rules and

regulations of the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program.

Guidelines - Developed in accordance with Section 213.8 of Act 361,

the guidelines serve primarily as the substantive standards

and criteria for issuance of coastal use per ,mits for uses of

state and local concern.

LCRP - The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program is the comprehensive

coastal management program authorized by Act 361.

Local Government - The governmental body having general jurisdic-

tion and operating at the parish level.

Louisiana Coastal Advisory Council - The Louisiana Coastal

Advisory Council, which replaced the Louisiana Coastal

Commission as of July 6, 1984, is composed of twenty-three

members. The make-up of the Council is the same as LCC - 12

parish members and-11 members appointed by the Governor.*

*On July 6, 1984, Governor Edwin Edwards signed into law
amendments to Act 361. These amendments abolished the Louisiana
Coastal Commission and provided for the creation, membership and
functions of the Louisiana Advisory Council; provided for recon-
sideration of coastal zone decisions by the Secretary of the
Department of Natural Resources; and provided for judicial review
of the Secretary's final decision.

The functions of the Council are as follows:

A. Advising the Secretary of his approval of coastal management
guidelines pursuant to Section 213.8 of the Act, as amended.

B. Advising the Secretary of his approval of the identification,
designation and utilization of special areas and the guide-
lines or priorities of use for special areas pursuant to
Section 213.10, as amended.

C. Recommending procedures or measures for the reduction of over-
lapping efforts, activities or actions by various state and
local agencies, when requested to do so by the Secretary.

D. Recommending future coastal management activities, guidelines,
and/or special areas when requested to do so by the Secretary.

E. Providing advice and/or recommendations upon or support for
any aspect of the coastal management program as requested by
the Secretary.

The Council does not have authority to adopt rules or regu-
lations or issue permits or orders. It has no authority to
enforce the aforementioned provisions, nor can it bring lawsuits
on behalf of the state to enforce statutes or regulations.

Mitigation Measures - Mitigation measures are all steps necessary

to minimize the impacts of the proposed action on a floodplain

or wetland, including those steps necessary to preserve, and

wherever practicable, restore natural values and functions.

Examples of mitigation measures include, but are not limited

to, (a) requiring an adequate soil erosion/SE@dimentation plan

to control runoff during land disturbing activities associated

with an action, (b) the collection and treatment of runoff

resulting from an action prior to its discharge into the

floodplain or a wetland, (c) the establishment of vegetative

buffer zones between the site of a proposed SLCtion and

adjacent floodplains or wetlands, (d) the dedication of sites

as permanent natural areas, or (e) floodplain or wetland

habitat restoration.

OCZM - Office of Coastal Zone Management, Washington, D. C.,

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of

Commerce. Oversees the development and implementation of

state CZM programs.

Special Area - Special Areas are areas within the coastal zone

which have unique and valuable characteristics requiring

special management procedures, such as important geological

formations, historical or archaeological sites, corridors for

transportation, industrialization or urbanization, areas

subject to flooding, highly productive or essential habitat

areas, ports and recreational areas among others.

Use - Any use or activity within the coastal zone which has a

direct and significant impact on coastal waters.

Wetlands - Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface

or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to

support, and under normal conditions do support, a prevalence

of vege- tation typically adapted for life in saturated soil

conditions.

xii

I
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I P A R T 0 N E
I
I
I e Geography of
I
I Orleans Parish
I
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INTRODUCTION

The City of New Orleans has been existing on the banks of the Miss-
issippi River for over two and a half centuries, exploiting her loca-
tion to the point that the Port of New Orleans is one of the largest
in the world. She has also learned how to overcome most of the
constraints posed by her site. In fact, the taming of the
environment has proceeded so smoothly that serious questions have
arisen about the continued viability of the Pontchartrain estuary in
the face of rapid urban development. As large areas of marsh and
swamp are converted to urban uses, less and less wetland is available
to function in its traditional and important ecological role.

To avoid waiting for the collapse of the estuarine environment before
taking action, the City of New Orleans in 1973 embarked on a project
to investigate the possibilities of designing a plan that would bal-
ance the competing goals of exploitation of the environment and pre-
servation of it.

This document is the result of that investigation. The first part,
The Geography of Orleans Parish, describes the environmental, social
and economic conditions of Orleans Parish and their significance in
regard to managing the coastal zone. The goals, objectives and poli-
cies to be included in the management plan are enumerated at the end
of this part. The second half of the document, The Local Program,
explains the management techniques to be used in implementing the
program. Enabling legislation, the Coastal Zone Ordinance, is
included at the end of the report.

The City of New Orleans is contiguous with Orleans Parish. In
Louisiana, a parish is the administrative equivalent of a county in
other states. In order to facilitate the collection and the graphic
display of information, Orleans Parish has been divided into
geographical segments called management units. These units will
function as the focus for planning and policy formulation. The
following section briefly describes these management units by name,
size and location.

Management Units

For planning purposes, the City of New Orleans has long been segment-
ed into planning districts. These units have historically been used
for the collection and compilation of land use and population data.
The creation of these districts was based to a large extent on areas
having similar geographical, environmental, land use or population
characteristics. The planning districts are, furthermore, generally
divided by major natural or man-made features, such as waterbodies,
roadways or levees. These features often conveniently delineate de-
veloped areas from undeveloped or developing areas.

For the purposes of Coastal Zone Management, groupings of these plan-
ning districts will serve as Management Units. By maintaining the
integrity of the districts, valuable information that has previously
been collected will not be lost or diliited.

There are sixteen planning districts in Orleans Parish. Figure 3
shows a map of the Parish with the Planning districts outlined and
numbered, and grouped into management units. The Arabic numbers
represent planning districts, while the Roman numerals indicate
management units. Some management units are coterminous with plan-
ning districts, particularly those that are partially developed or
completel'y undeveloped. Planning Districts 1 through 9, consisting
of the older, highly urbanized sections of New Orleans, have been
grouped into Management Unit I, the Urban Core. Planning Districts
10 through 16 each constitute a distinct management unit. More
detailed maps of the Environmental Management Units are available
at the office of the City Planning Commission, City Hall/Civic Center
and at the D.N.R. Coastal Management'Section in Baton Rouge.

Management Unit I:- The Urban Core

The Urban Core Management Unit consists of the highly urbanized sec-
tion of the City of New Orleans on the East Bank of the Mississippi
River. This unit includes Planning Districts 1 through 9 and con-
sists of approximately 30,000 acres. The following paragraphs des-
cribe the location and size of the individual planning districts
which comprise Management Unit I.
Planning District 1: Lakeview . I
The Lakeview Planning District encompasses a total-of about 4,335
acres, and has as its boundaries Lake Pontchartrain to the north,
Bayou St. John to the east, City Park Avenue and Metairie Road to the
south, and the Orleans/Jefferson Parish line to the west.

Planning District 2: Gentilly

The Gentilly Planning District consists of the area bounded by lake
Pontchartrain to the north; the Industrial Canal to the east; Inter-
state 10, Florida Avenue, and Interstate G10 to the south; and Bayou
St. John to the west. The District encompasSES a total of approxi-
mately 5,G73 acres, making it one of the largest of the urbanized
planning districts.

Planning District 3: Broadmoor/Hollygrove

The Broadmoor/Hollygrove Planning District bOLLnded by Metairie Road
to the north, Pontchartrain Boulevard/Interstate 10, South Claiborne
Avenue, and the Orleans-Jefferson Parish boundary line, contains a
gross land area of approximately 2,314Acres, all but 220 of which
were developed as of 1975.

Planning District 4: Mid-City

The Plan ning District referred to as Mid-City is bounded generally by
Interstate 10 East and West, Florida Avenue, &nd City Park Avenue,
and contains approximately 3,482 total acres.

Planning District 5: St. Claude/Desire

The St. Claude/Desire Planning District is boUnded by Elysian Fields
Avenue, Interstate 10, the Inner Harbor NavigELtion Canal (Industrial
Canal), and the Mississippi River. The total area of this District is

16
L A A f P ON 7 C H AR T R At If

V1 vu
14

12 to
2 15"

SOURCE

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT UNITS PLANNIP

estimated at 3,532 acres.

Planning District 6: Carrollton/University

The Carrollton/University Planning District is bounded by the Or-
leans/Jefferson Parish Line, South Claiborne A,%renue, the Mississippi
River, and Napoleon Avenue. Carrollton/University has a gross land
area of 4,019 acres, 382 acres of which are in the form of water and
vacant land.

Planning District 7: Central City/Garden District

The Central City/Garden District Planning District of New Orleans
comprises the area bounded by the Pontchartrain Expressway, South
Claiborne Avenue, Napoleon Avenue, and the Mississippi River. The
gross land area of this district is approximately 2900 acres.

Planning District 8: Central Business District

The Central Business District Planning District encompasses a total
of 1,816 acre6 and is bounded by the Pontchartrain Expressway, Clai-
borne Avenue/I710, Elysian Fields and the Mississippi River.

Planning District 9: Lower Ninth Ward/Holy Cross-

The Planning District referred to as Lower Ninth Ward/Holy Cross is
bounded by Florida Avenue on the north, the Orleans/St. Bernard Par
ish line on the east, the Mississippi River on the south, and the
Industrial Canal on the west. This District comprises approximately
1,714 acres, 508 of which are in the form of water and-vacant land.

Management Unit II: Algiers/Aurora

The Algiers/Aurora Unit encompasses that portion of Orleans Parish an
the West Bank of the Mississippi River bounded by the River, the In-
tracoastal Waterway and the Orleans/Jefferson Parish line. The unit
contains a gross land area of almost 7,460 acres.

Management Unit III: Lower Coast

This Planning District encompasses some 5,500 generally rural acres
bounded by the Mississippi River and Orleans/Jefferson/Plaquemines
Parish lines.

Management Unit IV: East Gentilly

The East Gentilly unit includes over 13,000 acres and is one of the
largest management units in the City. The district is bounded by the
Industrial Canal, Lake Pontchartrain, Paris Road and the Mississippi
River-Gulf Outlet (MR-GO).

Management Unit V: Viavant

The Viavant unit encompasses over 4,000 acres and is bounded by the

MR-GO, the Industrial Canal and the Orleans/St. Bernard Parish line.

Management Unit VI: New Orleans East

This management unit encompasses 22,9510 acres, generally bounded by
Lake Pontchartrain to the north, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
(GIWW) to the south, Paris Road on the west and the South Point to
GIWW levee oil the east.

I
Management Unit VII: New Orleans East/Special

M
I
anagement Unit VII encompasses approximately 16,795 acres and is
irregular in shape. T@ie southern segment of the District is bounded
by the MR-GO on tile west, Bayou Bienvenue on the south, tile Gulf In-
tracoastal Waterway (GIWW) on the north and Chef ',,,Ienteur Pass on the
east. The norther portion of the district is bounded by the South
Point to GIWIV levee on the west, Lake Pontchartrain on tile north,
Lake Pontchartrain and Chef Menteur Pass on the east and the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway on the south.

Management Unit VIII: Chef Menteur/Rigolets

The Chef Menteur/Rigolets Management Unit is bounded by Lake Pont-
chartrain, the aigolets, Lake Borgne, and the Chef '4enteur Pass.
Lake St. Catherine, a lar@,e brackish lake, is contained with Viis
Plannin- District. Chef 1,Aenteur/Rigolets comprises some 216,70-8
acres, most of which are vacant wetlands.

Throughout tile remainder of this document, information will be com-
piled within the framework of these units. The Orleans Parish Base
Map used throughout this text indicates the location of management
units or planning districts.

Note: opecial Areas and Particular Areas may be developed in tile
future. The boundaries of these areas will be delineated at
that time and may include acres currently (rrouped witliin the
eight management units.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

The Impossible but Inevitable City(l)

When one glances at a small scale map of the United States, it is
obvious that there had to be a city at the mouth of the Mississippi
River. Common sense demanded one, and so did experience. Common
sense also tells us that the location determined the kind of place
New Orleans was to become.

Although the location of New Orleans is obvious on a small scale
map, it is far from obvious when one examines a detailed map of the
swamp where the Mississippi debouches into the Gulf of Mexico (see
Figure 4) and even less obvious when one visits the area. T lie
Idississippi Delta is a fearsome place, difficult enou-ji for building
houses, lunacy for wharves and skyscrapers. Nor have environ-merital
problems disappeared under the onslaught of modern technology.
Yellow fever was eradicated around 1900, but flooding remains a
constant threat. Foundation materials are the consistency of glue in
niany parts of the city and there are few old buldings or sidewalks
that have not settled or broken since they were built. gost dreaded
are the hurricanes that boil out of the gulf with random ferocity,
pushing flood waters ahead of them.
C)

Yet the city is still there. The apparent paradox between excellent
location and miserable location merely illuminates the dictinction
between two terms - "site" and "situation" - which urban geographers
use to describe the location of cities. Site is the actual real
estate which the city occupies, and New Orleans' site is wretched.
Situation is what we commonly mean when we speak of a place witil
respect to neighboring places. New Orleans' situation is tier loca-
tion near the mouth of the Mississippi, and the fact Viat a tLlillion
people work and make a living on this evil site only emphasizes the
excellence of the situation. There is no contradiction. If a city's
situation is good enough, its site will be altered to make do.

That is precisely what happened in New Orleans. The situation
guaranteed New Orleans prosperity, but the site guaranteed tiiqt the
city would be plagued by incessant trouble - yellow fever, floods,
and unbearable summer heat. And because it was so difficult, the
site also guaranteed that the form of tlie city's physical -rowth
would be shaped by the local environment to a far greater degree
than in r-.iost other American cities.

In a word, New Orleans was shoehorned into a very constricted site.
It is scarcely surprising that the shoe has pinched from time to
time. Nor is it surprising that the city has taken some very
strange shapes as a result.

I s s I s s P P Ij
M A UREPAS- PON TCHA'RTRAIN -BORG N@Ej MARSH ESTUARY SYSTE

L E

SOURCE: We
Ste

SATO

LAKE

LAKE PoNrCHARrRAIN

.0 It L K E
New BORGNE
IV
Iberia
r

r__j

"'kta.

QF
.0 e.7-00

River, Delta,__and City(,)

To understand how these shapes have evolved, to understand the
extraordinary difficulties of building and maintaining a city here,
one must understand what the immediate physical site of New Orleans
is like. That site, like the personality of the city itself, is an
offspring of the Mlississippi River, a direct result of the river's
behavior in its lower courses over the last several thousand years.
Like the city it nourishes, however, the Mississippi is unusual -
quite different, indeed, from, any other large North American river.
And the difference is not just a matter of size.

To begin with, the Mississippi is unusual because it has a delta.
-Not only do most North American rivers lack deltas of any kind,
their mouths are embayed-that is, the sea has entered tile river
mouth and flooded it. Nearly every river in the world is t1liat way,
and the reason is the same. During glacial times-most recently about
25,000 years ago-sea level dropped because considerable ocean water
was locked up in huge sheets of continental ice. At the glacial
maxima, when sea level was lowest, rivers cut down to Pieet the new
low sea level, and then, when the ice melted and sea level rose
a-.ain, their valley mouths were flooded to form the estuaries that
line the coast of North America today.

Finding a site for a city at the mouth of -an einbayed river poses no
special difficulty. A Lost of big port cities-lil,,e London, Hamburg,
and Old Quebec-grew up quite naturally at Vie narrow -inland neck of
the estuary-the first place vviliere ships were forced to use the same
channel and the first place where land trafftc could conveniently
cross the river. But there is no enbayment on the %lississippi, which
is uniformly wide for hundreds of miles upstream. Correspondingly,
south of Cairo, Illinois, where the Mississippi valley opens out into
its great deltaic plain, no place on the river is -much easier or
harder to cross than any other, and bridges were out of the question
until fairly recently. Nor is there any well-defined head of naviga-
tion until one reaches Minneapolis; indeed, the shallowest and most
treacherous water in the lower %lississippi is across bars at the
mouth of the river in the Gulf of Mexico. (To locate a city t."Iere,
where t1he highest point is a tussock of salty , -rass, would be ins3an-
ity.) In fact, there is no Iiigh ground on the lower Mississippi
below Baton Rouge, more than 200 miles upstream from the Gulf. In
sum, the 'Vlississippi River demands a city at its niouth, but fails to
provide any place for one.

A suiamary of what is wrong with New Orleans' site tnal,,es an @,-Lwesonle
list: 1. The main and oldest part of New Orleans is built on tiatural
levees of the T-Jississippi, rarely over Elfteen feet above sea level.
The solidest material on the levee is silt.

'Jost of the contemporary city lies at or below sea level.

The Mississippi River normally flows at ten to fifteen feet above
sea level and floods at twenty.

3. Behind the city, at sea level and below, was a half-flooded
swamp, with no foundation material worth mentioning and, until about
1900, a breeding ground for malaria. After heavy rains or river
floods, there is no way,for the water to get out except by evapora-
tion or by pumping it out.

4. Bedrock for foundation materials consists at best of com-
pacted clays, but one must dig a minimum of seventy feet below the
surface muck to find them. (Sand lenses often serve as a foundation,
however. Ed. note.]

5. The only avenues into the city until recently were by way
of the natural levees. In flood time, the levee could be cut almost
anywhere by the sudden and unpredictable formation of a crevasse. At
best, the city had poor highway access to the outside. During floods
it might have none at all.

6. Until recently, there was serious risk of the Mississippi
changing course upstream, thus leaving New Orleans isolated on a
dead-end bayou.

7. Most of the adjacent areas of southern Louisiana are unpopu-
lated, thus depriving the city of a nearby hinterland. Nearly all
the scanty population lives on natural levees of old river courses,
which are separated by belts of backswamp which slice the delta into
north-south strips. The backswamps are barriers to east-west land
transportation, and the natural levees are barriers to east-west
water transportation.

8. The entrances to the Mississippi are 120 miles downstream
from the city. Until artificially removed, mud and sandbars made
navigation hazardous at best and sometimes threatened to block it
completely.

9. Hurricanes periodically strike the Gulf coast from the
south and drive very high tides ahead of them. Areas high above sea
level are safe, but most of contemporary New Orleans is substantially
below the safety level. [A system of levees protects the City from a
100-year storm. Ed. note.]

10. The entire city is built on land which is gradually sinking,
and some of the city is built on land which is rapidly sinking.
[Construction techniques have been developed to mitigate this phenom-
enon. Ed. note.]

The geologists Kolb and Van Lopik epitomized the area by calling it
Ila land between earth and sea - belonging to neither and alternately
claimed by both."

To better understand the intricate relationship between the City and
her environment, it is important to examine the processes that forged
southeast Louisiana, particularly, time, the river and the sea.

(3)
GEOLOGIC HISTORY ,

Orleans Parish is located on the southern and eastern shore of Lake
Pontchartrain, a relatively flat-bottomed, fresh to brackish water
body indirectly connected to the Gulf of Mexico. The natural land-
scape of the parish is of relatively recent origin, reflecting its
location in the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain. The Gulf Coast is
physiographically part of the continental coastal plain which extends
C@
,renerally from Massachusettes to Tampico, Mexico. The average width
of the coastal plain is 250 miles, with the Mississippi embayment
extending from the present Mississippi Delta to Cario, Illinois, a
length of 575 miles. The states of Louisiana and 'Mississippi lie
entirely within this physiographic unit, which extends to the margin
of the continental shelf.

The development history of this plain and the Gulf Coastal region
is one of dynamic interaction among forms, processes and materials;
of changing sea levels; riverine and marine deposition; and location
,on the continental margin. On a large scale and over many years, the
Gulf Coast has been downwarped as a result of movement of the crustal
plates of the earth and sediment deposition for at least 200 million
years. Sediments were deposited in seas that invaded the edge of the
continent. Rivers draining the continent deposited vast amounts of
sand, silt and clay in the sea. As a result, a great wedge of sedi-
ment, thickening seaward, was built up. It is upon Vais wedge of
sediment that Orleans Parish rests.

The great dip in the earth's crust in relationship to this sedimenta-
ry wedge is ter-ned the Gulf Coast -.eosynclirie (see Fi.7ure 4). The
axis of the geosyncline passes through the Louisiana Coastal Zone
directly beneath Orleans Parish. Associated with this axis are ac-
tive zones of faulting, an adjustment of the earth to the pressure of
sediments. Since the beginning of the Tertiary Period, about GO i-nil-
0 ZD
lion years ago, over 40,000 feet of sedimentary deposits have accumu-
lated over the more ancient 'Aesozoic basement rock. For practical
purposes, this 'Mesozoic level may be considered the "bottom" of the
coastal formations.

From the standpoint of land use, the most important of the ancient
sedimentary deposits are the Pleistocene formations. They have the
best foundation characterisitics in the region and were deposited
more than 50,000 years ago when sea levels were approximately the
same level as today. These deposits, consisting of consolidated
sands, and silty and organic clays, are found at the surface on the
norVi shore of Lake Pontchartrain but slope down and !)ecorne deeply
buried by more recent alluvial deposits in the Orleans Parish area.

The vertical structure of the parish consists then of Viick- deposits
of ancient marine and riverine sediments overlain by thinner se-
quences of more recent deposits forming the actual land surface of
the Parish. At depths of up to 40,000 feet is a basement layer
perhaps 200 million years old. Over this layer are 40,000 feet of
sediment 50,000 to 7,000 years old, with only the last 50 to 100 feet
less than 4,000 years old. The landscape of Orleans Parish was
formed during this latter period.

LOUISIANA

TEXAS MISSISSIPPI ALABAMA

ORLEANS- PARIS"

L E 0 E N D

GrOSYNCLINAL AXIS
PRINCIPAL FAULTS
EDGE OF CONTINENTAL SHELF

LOCATION OF GEOSYNCLINAL AXIS AND
PRINCIPAL REGIONAL FAULTS
AFTER JONESi 1969)

GEOSYNCLINAL AXIS_,_ -RECENT DEPOSITS
@47
x@-, g..
AM -',@ I @1.1I
MAK,
A IN,
X
%
g,
N.,;.4s
@:0..A

9-
)Z:@, a.114 MIR
wq

4-kI
V., '41

MESOZOIC 8AsEmENr

too mi. 40091.

GENERALIZED CROSS-SECTION OF GULF COAST
GEOSYNCLINE DEPICTING DEPOSITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
AFTER KOLB & VAN LOPIK, 1956)

SOURCE COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS,ANC. ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY
ST. BERNARD PARISH, LOUISIANA 1972

IF IGU RE 5

As a result of its formative processes and location, the region is
very active tectonically. Both faulting and subsidence occur as ad-
justments to depositional processes. As material is deposited, the
earth's surface constantly adjusts to and becomes deformed by differ-
ential loading pressures. These movements occur along zones of weak-
ness which persist even as sediment continues to accumulate above
them and produces growth faults. The faults strike parallel to the
axis of the geosyncline and are almost invariably downthrown on the
Gulf side. Their location is important in relationship to the build-
ing of structures, affect upon marsh subsidence, and location of
canals and associated construction. Fault activity, although not as
dramatic as that in places like California, nevertheless indicates
that the region is extremely active and that change is constant.
The Delta System(4)

Deltas are zones of interaction between processes of river and sea;
they represent one of the most dynamic situations in nature. Delta
building can be viewed as a contest between forces. If the river
deposits sediment faster than the sea is able to remove it, new land
is added to the shore and the delta builds seaward (progradation).
As Vie delta extends itself, older areas of deposit build upward;
this accretion (building upward) is associated with processes of lat-
eral shifting of channels, sediment deposition during overbank flood-
ing and accumulation of plant and animal remains into peat deposits.

The St. Bernard delta complex is one of the five major sub-delta com-
plexes of eastern Louisiana. Within this complex, the formation of
Orleans parish took place over a period of 4,000 years as the result
of deposition by six major distributaries. See Figure G.

The development of the lands of the parish inay be viewed as a result
of deposition of sediments further and further out into the gulf over
a period of time. The present sites of Orleans and St. Bernard Par-
ishes were open Gulf about 5,000 years ago.

The initial St. Bernard Lobe was probably similar in form to the
present bird's-foot delta. This lobe began development about 4,000
years acyo. Concurrently, a major depositional area evolved in the
Bayou 7"eche area. At that time, -lost of the area currently occupied
by southeastern Louisiana was still open Gulf. The second phase of
building took place through the Bayou Terre aux Boeufs channel for
about 500 years. Tile third delta lobe, at Bayou des Familles, depos-
ited sediment for over 1,500 years starting about 3,500 years ago.
0
Concurrent with this deposition, the ANlississippi -La Loutre system
continued to distribute river flow and built land until about 1,800
years ago. A portion of the Lafourche delta lobe was also being con-
structed. The final active distributary of the SIC- Bernard complex
was Bayou Sauvage that formed the Rigolets and Lalke Pontchartrain as
we know thein today. Bayou Sauvage was in a state of progradation
until about 700 years ago. During this interval, major deposition
C> J
was also occurring in the Lafourche Delta area. See Figure 7.

HISTORIC DELTAIC LOBES of the MISSISSIPPI DELT

..........

P.,
T E

N.,
'N. 40
O@v

N G 0 U I N
- -------------------- FIGURE 6

TEXAS

MR i RL MjwLMjMLMj

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ST. BERNARD DELTA LOBE

GULFPORT
L E G E N D
S A N 0 S ORGANIC CLAY
WIT" SHELLS
CLAYEY SILTS Sk r7-7-nORGANIC CLAY
UMB SANDS,CQQUINAS WITH PE TS r

SOURCE: Coleman Ek Gagilano, 1964

L A K E PONTCHARTRAIN

-ff
*4p
00
0
0
0
0
46
0 .lk

00
T-TY-T-T

0 0

w:
-1-11@ 0. 0 0 0
00 to
0 0 0
000 :T
0-00
.0 0 of 0 o - 0
X:

X T
0 .0,0, 00
13
0. 0 0
@ .0. " - - 00 iva
0 01 0. 0
0..0 0
0 . 0
T

c@
-,0 00" 0 X T:
0.
00 'o 0c.

.0
c'.0 .-,.
oo@. 0 - - 0 *- e J-
.0 : ..0 000 0
0 0.0
0- ----- ---
T
100 0 00 --- -- - T
---- --- --- --------E
0 0 1_T-
.0 41 0 T
S

T
07 C>
T

0
.0
1.0

0 .1. 0.
130 0 0 0 @-T.T-T
)o. @ T -@ T
0 0 0C,
0

-s.
4-A

Throughout this period, sand deposits winnowed from eroding Pleisto-
cene deposits and introduced to the coast by the Pearl River were
being reworked and redistributed to form a series of sand spits and
islands along what is now the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
These were similar to the barrier islands that now lie off the Mis-
sissippi Coast.

Recent stages of delta building*were through the Plaquemines-Modern
delta complex. Abandonment of the St. Bernard complex took place
gradually as Mississippi River flow was divided, between several
major distributaries and progradation occurred in. more than one
area. Until the time that man-made levees completely restricted the
flow of the Mississippi, river sediment continUed. to be introduced
into the area through overbank flooding, through crevasses and down
existing channels. During the long period of diminishing flow and
complete elimination of riverine sediments, erosion, subsidence and
compaction have resulted in increased and accelerated coastal re-
treat, inundation and land loss.

The present relationship of Orleans Parish to other areas of the
delta is shown in Figure 8. The delta may be viewed as a series of
systems that have gone through a cyclic process of activity and
gradual development to a state of abandonment. The major components
of the delta plain are the active and abandoned channels, natural
levee systems, interdistributary basins and marginal basins. As
indi.cated in Figure 8, most of Orleans Parish lies in what would be
considered a marginal basin.
Physiography(5)
The materials and processes of landscape formation produce a predict-1
able set of surface and subsurface features and relationships. The
land is formed by distributaries; between the distributaries land
eventually builds up by either progradation (building seaward) or
aggradation (building upward). In simplest form, the pieces of the
coastal zone may be seen either as a part of the distributary or the
interdistributary system (Figure 9).

Though much of the natural landscape of Orleans Parish has been
modified by the works of man, the natural levees of the Mississippi
River and its abandoned distributaries form the most conspicuous
topographic features. Along the present river course ' levee crests
reach a maximum elevation of about 23 feet above mean Gulf level
(MGL) and average from 10- to 15 feet. Distributary natural levee
crests usually do not exceed 10 feet in elevation. Most of the
remainder of the parish consists of relatively flat swamps and
marshes. These closely approximate mean Gulf level and even in
inland positions, rarely stand more than three feet above MGL.

A considerable area in the parish lies well below mean Gulf level,
but this is not a natural condition. These are former swamp and
marsh areas that were ringed with levees and artificially drained to
produce habitable land. Dehydration of the sediments has resulted in
considerable compaction, in some cases as much as nine feet.(6)

Present Day Components of the Mississippi Del

Marginal B a 9 1
Abandoned
Channe
Channel-Levee

-YSTOM
System ....
V: URir
P,

ntardistri utary
14WPIALW

f601

ion oned..:iii@i@@ %
a r
Mob
Distri
Ab'ondoned
Distributary
SYstern

Of HEX I C

. ... .....
.................. ...

20 40
60 miles

SoijRcr: Coastal Environments, Inc., Environmental Baseline Study, St.80rhard Parish, Louisiana ISIT2

Components of the Distributary and Interdistributary Systems

FRESH
SWAMP
NATURAL
LEVEE
RIDGE

FRESH to SALINE MARSII

LAKES, BAYS, SOUND
FILLED TIDAL STREAMS BEACH OR GULF
ANNEL.

0
0 00

ABANDONED DISTRIBUTARY SYSTEM INTERDISTRIBUTARY SYSTEM

SOURCE: COASTAL ENVORON MEN TS, INC., ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY, ST. BE RNA AD PAR I SH , LOU ISO ANA - 1972 FIGURE 9

Figure 10 indicates the physiography of Orleans Parish as it existed
before extensive modification by man (up to about 1750 A.D.) In the
intervening years levees and other linear systems such as highways,
railways, navigation canals and pipelines have significantly altered
the natural systems and conditions. The largest areas remaining sig-
nificantly unchanged occur in tile eastern part of the parish, par-
ticularly between Chef Menteur Pass and the Rigolets. These consist
primarily of brackish to brackish-saline marshes. The brackish rnarsh
stands only several inches to several feet above mean Gulf level and
is interrupted only by the open water of lakes or tidal streams. it
is covered predominantly by wiregrass that forms the major vegetative
base of the food chain and supports the entire marsh faunal communi-
ty. Soils of the marsh are highly organic, being built up year after
year from dead grasses and other detrital material. That the niarsh-
land has been able to sustain itself over thousands of years in the
face of regional subsidence and hurricanes is evidence of the natural
vitality and maintenance ability of this system.(7)

Implications for Planning

The significance of the fault lines running underaeat'i Orleans
Parish and all of coastal Louisiana, whether or not they represent
a potential danger, has not been determined. Ttie St.-).te of Louisiana
should undertake steps to determine the significance of these fault
lines, their effect on coastal Louisiana, and what actions can be
taken, if necessary, to prevent or reduce potential hazards.

The abandonment of the St. Bernard Delta and the levee-ing of tne
Mississippi River have initiated a cycle of deterioration ill the
abandoned distributary system and Vie marginal basin. This has had
the following effects:

New land is not being built
Existin- land is subjected to subsidence and erosion
Regular fresh viater input to Lake Pontchartrain froin
overbank flooding is. denied.
Average salinity levels in Lake Pontchartrain have varied.
significantly in the last twenty years.

The parishes surrounding the Lake should agree on a salinity regimen
for the Lake, and devise a managerient progr 'am to accoinplish triat
goal. For example, if fresh water and sediment input into the Lake
Pontchartrain basin is desired, a program of diverting Mississippi
River water, perhaps through tne Bonnet Carre 'Sipillway, should be
investi5@,ated.

Cast of 941.941h

0 PON TC N ART11414

.... .......... . .I

%&.gross,
StIORELINE
ftAL
LIN,
L E 6

MAT
,OWN"

SWA

FRE
j
r77q BRA
6-poom.4414 Ic
- MW BRA

REL

0 3MA

COM
SOURCE: SOUCIGF, Roger T.. Louisiana State University Studies I SAF
1963
Coastal Studios Series No. 9
fig. No. I Present Phisiogralifty of PORIChariveln Basin

PHYSIOGRAPHY OF ORLEANS PARIS".

HYDROLOGY

Lake Pontchartrain is a shallow (14 feet average depth) 640 square
mile tidal basin bordered on its south side by the New Orleans Metro-
politan locale. It is important to note that the lake is only a part
of the total interrelated estuarine environmental complex of this
southeastern Louisiana coastal area.

The water level in Lake Pontchartrain is subject to variations from
direct rainfall, tributary inflow from its 4,446 square mile drain-
age basin, wind driven water movements, translated movements through
many channels and tidal variations originating in the Gulf of Mexico.
Likewise, Lake Borgne is subject to water level fluctuations due to
wind driven water movements and tidal variations originating in the
Gulf of Mexico. Marsh floods result from heavy rainfall which ponds
in numerous lakes and inland bays. These floods tend to freshen the
brackish and salt-marsh for short periods. Marshes are reverted to a
completely saline environment by occasional tidal overflow. The area
is protected from major fresh water flooding by mainline levees along
the Mississippi River.

The natural channels and tidal passes which allow water exchange in
and out of Lake Pontchartrain are the Chef Menteurand Rigolets natu-
ral passes. The Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet, and the Gulf Intra-
coastal Waterway-Inner Harbor Navigation Canal are man-made channels
which convey tidal waters into Lake Pontchartrain. The combination
of flows through these channels determine the salinity regimen in the
lake. The largest pass, the Rigolets, has an average width of about
2500 feet and a maximum depth of 88 feet. Chef Menteur Pass, al-
though narrower and more sinuous, is deeper.

Drainage from most of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River is ac-
complished by relatively small streams which flow generally southward
into the basin from the uplands on the north. At present the only
water from the Mississippi River received by the basin is that dis-
charged occasionally in Lake Pontchartrain through the Bonnet Carre
spillway and the Industrial Canal. The alluvial ridges drain down-
slope into the adjacent marsh or swamp-lands, which under natural
conditions, are under-drained. In the reclaimed areas of the marsh
and swamplands, protection levees have been constructed and drainage
is accomplished by large pumps that generally discharge into canals
that connect with the lakes.

Tides

Under normal conditions, the tide in both Lakes Pontchartrain and
Borgne is diurnal. Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne have a tidal
range of approximately six inches and one foot, respectively. The
Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass have developed natural deep and wide
channels having adequate capacity of tributary flow; however, the
frequent and often appreciable changes in the water level of Lake
Pontchartrain are not primarily caused by periodic tidal variations.
Nearly all changes are the result of variations in the direction,
force and duration of the wind.

During the winter, when the wind is frequently from the north or
northwest, lake levels may average one to two feet lower than during
the summer. This is the result of a net movement of water from the
lakes into the Gulf. Abrupt changes in wind direction, such as those
which often accompany the passage of a cold front, may cause a rapid
change in Lake level. This effect is evident in winds as low as 5
miles per hour. Easterly winds cause a rise in Mississippi Sound and
Lake Borgne, producing an increase in flow of Grulf water entering the
passes and a subsequent rise in the lake level. Westerly winds have
the reverse effect. A rise or fall of six inches in an hour has been
observed on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain on Several occasions.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall which occasionally accompany conven-
tional thunderstorms normally create localized turbulence but have
little effect on overall lake levels.

As a result of frequently changing lake levels, strong and irregular
currents often characterize the major passes, particularly the Riggo-
lets. The ordinary maximum velocity in this PELSS is 0.6 knots but
extreme velocities of 3.75 knots have been observed. Observations
suggest that a slight counterclockwise circulation may be present in
Lake Pontchartrain. However, the currents are affected by the volume
of fresh water inflow (estimated to average 5 million acre-feet annu-
ally), and tides and storm surges which cause enormous volumes of
water to pass in both directions through the Rigolets, Chef Menteur
Pass, Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound, the Inner Harbor Navigational
Canal, and the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet. With so many variables
operating on the several elements of the system, the current patterns
are continually changing.

Salinity

Ordinary sea water measures 33 to 34 parts per thousand (ppt.) salin-
ity. As an estuarine system, the salinity of Lake Pontchartrain av-
erages less than six ppt., but varies widely with location and sea-
son. Lowest salinity occurs in the northwestern portion of the lake
during the winter and spring months. Values as low as 1.2 ppt.
(following a heavy January rainfall) and as high as 13.6 ppt. (fol-
lowing a September tropical storm) have been observed in the lake.

Salinity data collected at Little Woods indicare that long term fluc-
tuations occur superimposed on short term changes caused by changes
in rainfall. The salinity regime at Little Woods was relatively con-
stant during the years 1952-1956 (the mean = 3 ppt. chloride) but
changed during 1957 (mean = 2 ppt. chloride) to lower salinities for
the period 19500-1961 (mean = 2 ppt. chloride). Another transition
occurred in 1962 to higher salinities for the period 1963-1963 (mean
= 4 ppt. chloride).

Within the time span of these long term changes, shorter term fluctu-
ations are observed for wet and dry years. Du-ing the wet year of
1961 the computed average annual salinity was 1.4 ppt, while the dry
year yielded salinities at Little Woods which averaged 6.4 ppt. it

has been suggested that the creation of the Mississippi River-Gulf
Outlet has influenced the salinity regime of Lake Pontchartrain by
introducing more saline waters into the lake via this channel. How-
ever, a 1980 report by the U. S. Corps of Engineers states that a
relatively minor percentage of flow enters the lake through the MR-GO
in contrast with the natural channels of Chef Menteur and the Rigo-
lets. Lake salinity is also influenced by prevailing wind patterns
and levels of rainfall which impact inflow from rivers, streams and
bayous.

The salinities in Lake Borgne are generally higher than that of Lake
Pontchartrain due to less fresh water flows and closer proximity to
the Gulf of Mexico. Average yearly salinity in the wet year (1961)
was 2.4 ppt, while in the dry year (1963) salinities averaged 11.1
ppt. These years represent the probable extremes of salinity.

Water Temperature

Water temperature in Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne are moderate
and ice is rare. In Lake Pontchartrain average temperatures range
from a high of 30 degrees C. in August to a low of 10.5 degrees C. in
January. In Lake Borgne, average highs of 32 degrees C. in July and
lows of 9 degrees C. in February are recorded.

Rainfall

Precipitation data indicates that average precipitation for the en-
tire state of Louisiana is greater than for any other state. The
water balance analysis for the years 1945 through 1968 suggests a
quite regularly recurring pattern of deficit and surplus gradients
within the state; through time, however, there is somewhat of a
"feast" or "famine" schedule of deficits and surpluses. Despite the
high rainfall, deficits occur frequently with magnitudes large enough
to produce serious ecological and economic consequences. Regularly
recurring surpluses are restricted to winter and spring months, but
within these seasons there is a very large variation among years.
Surplus precipitation is defined as that which is not used for evapo-
transpiration or soil moisture recharge (e.g: runoff).

The average winter-spring (December through May) surplus for the pe-
riod 1945-1968 was 18.4 inches, while the average summer-autumn (June
through November) surplus was 5.0 inches. In spite of these surplus-
Fs, however, an average seasonal precipitation deficit of 3.1 inches
is recorded throughout the growing season. Seasonal deficit is the
summation of each monthly deficit throughout the growing season frcin
February through November. Excess precipitation (surplus) can be ex-
pressed as runoff.
Aquifers(8)

Aquifers, or water-bearing strata, in the New Orleans area occur at
subsurface depths of 100, 400, 700, and 1200 feet. The principal
aquifer in the area is the 700 foot sand. In 1963 the average daily
withdrawal from this sand was 51.2 million gallons and it is esti-
mated that by 1980 withdrawals will reach 90 mgd (million gallons.per

day). Water levels in the center of the core of depression resulting
from the current withdrawal are about 140 feet 'below the pre-1900
level and the projected increase in withdrawal rate should cause an
additional water level decline of about 100 feet into the 1930's.
Salt water intrusion is not deemed serious, provided the current dis-
tribution of pumping is maintained. Wells yielding 1000 gpm (gallons
per minute) or more can be constructed anywhere within the New Or-
leans area. In the northern part of the area t'llie "700-foot" sand
yields fresh, soft water that is low in iron but has a distinct yel-
low color. This color, due to organic matter, is not harmful but
makes the water undesirable for several uses, including public sup-
ply, unless the color is removed by treatment.

Drinking Water

At present nearly all of the drinking water for Orleans Parish is
treated Mississippi River water. The New Orleans Sewerage and Water
Board operates a 232 MGD (million gallons per day) water purification
plant on the East Bank and a 15 MGD plant on the West Bank in Al-
giers. These plants provide softening, coagulation, filtration and
disinfection of the river water.

An EPA study in 1974 reported the presence of small quantities of -06
organic chemicals in the New Orleans drinking water supply. The re-
cently completed report, Comprehensive Environmental Strategy for New
Orleans, listed the following information conCE!rning the City's
drinking water:

- There are six pollutant parameters of concern in the lower
Mississippi (according to the 1980 Corps of Engineers New
Orleans-Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area Water Resources Study):
fecal coliform, phenols, taste and odor-, pesticides, mercury,
and carcinogens.

- There are high concentrations of th. e following industrial
pollutants (according to a 1972 U. S. EPA report Industrial
Pollution of the Lower Mississippi RiVE@r in Louisiana):
cyanide, phenol, arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, chromium,
mercury, and zinc. The report stated that "industrial waste
discharges are contributing significant. quantities of hazard-
ous and/or undesirable pollutants to the Mississippi River in
Louisiana."

- The drinking water treatment methods presently used to treat
surface water cannot remove all impurities, nor can chlori-
nated organics be totally removed when the disinfectant used
is chlorine.

- The City now meets EPA standards of 10CI parts per billion for
trihalomethanes (THM's).

Due to the existence of a saltwater wedge i.-ioving upriver and the pos-
sibility of accidental spills or collisions, the Sewerage and Water
Board has constructed an additional water intake 1700 feet up-river
from the Oak Street intake. This will safeguard the integrity of the

City's water supply by assuring a continuous supply of treatable
water to the Carrollton Plant.

Implications for Planning

The abundance of water in Orleans Parish is probably the greatest
blessing and potentially greatest hazard to the welfare of the City
of New Orleans. Water rushes past in the Mississippi River, moves
in and out of the lakes, tidal passes and man-made channels, and
falls from the sky at an enormous rate. The management of this
resource has important implications for planning.

Salinity in Lake Pontchartrain has fluctuated historically. The re-
spective influence by various factors is not fully understood. The
significance of salinity level and salinity changes has been recog-
nized by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Management Area Committee and
the issue is considered a priority item by the Committee in its de-
liberations over a possible management program.

Water from the Mississippi River must not be allowed to
overflow its banks and flood developed portions of the
metropolitan area.

The location of the salt water wedge in the river must be
frequently monitored by the State of Louisiana.

Spills or accidents in the river must be prevented or
minimized, and the capacity to deal with occurrences must
be increased.

Rainfall which collects inside the levees must be quickly
pumped into sea level water bodies.

A desirable salinity regime for Lake Pontchartrain should
be determined and actions to maintain that regime should
be taken.

Current flows through the passes and man-made channels
should not be altered except in conformance with an over-
all water quality plan for the lake.

Encourage improving the quality of water in the Mississippi
River by interagency coordination and cooperation.

Reduce the level of halogenated organics in drinking water.
This is presently being accomplished by the Sewerage and
Water Board through changes in their disinfectation proce-
dures (chloramines have been substituted for free chlorine
to reduce the level of trihalomethanes in finished drinking
water).

Support the concept that the cost of additional water
treatment should not be met by the consumer, but rather by
the industries that discharge pollutants into a major
drinking water source.

CLIMATE

New Orleans is subject to tile same environmental factors affecting
all of Coastal Louisiana. The area is in a subtropical latitude
experiencing mild winters and hot humid summers. Prevailing summer
winds are southerly and produce conditions favorable to the formation
of afternoon thundershowers and sudden squalls. The area is subject
to frequent frontal movements during the colder seasons. These
frontal movements bring heavy precipitation and sudden temperature
changes.

The range of temperature fluctuations can be considered to be moder-
ate. Average summer temperature is 83.1' F; winter average tempera-
ture is 56.1* F. Mean annual temperature is 700 F.

Annual rainfall at New Orleans averages 58 inches (S&WB). Heavy
winter rains generally occur from mid-December to mid-March. Sleet
and snow are uncommon.

From January through July, prevailing winds are south to southeast,
and northeast to east-northeast from September through November.
Average wind velocity is 8.6 miles per hour.

Hurricanes

Aside from the usual storms which occur through.out the year, the
hurricanes of late summer and early fall are of particular interest
because of their severity. Hurricanes are well developed cyclonic
storms, usually of tropical origin. Hurricane characteristics are
violent winds (greater than 74 miles per hour), tremendous waves
and surges, and torrential rainfall. Size and duration vary with
each hurricane but generally they extend over thousands of square
miles, reach heights of 30,000 feet or more, and last from 9 to 12
days. The winds associated with hurricanes arE@ light to moderate
at the outer limits of the storm; at about 30 miles from the center
they reach velocities of about 100 miles per hour with gusts as
high as 150 miles per hour; and at the center they are relatively
calm. This calm area, called the "eye" of the storm, ranges between
7 and 25 miles in diameter. Hurricanes strike the Louisiana coast an
average of once every two years.

The hurricane storm surge which inundates low coastal lands is the
most destructive of the hurricane characteristics. It alone ac-
counts for three-fourths of the lives lost from hurricanes. It is
the product of meterological, beach, and shore conditions. In the
initial stage of development, it reaches a heiE.,;ht of 3 feet in the
open sea from the combined effects of high velocity wind and a lower-
ed barometric pressure (lowest recorded was 26.33 inches). Simul
neously, at shore, the water levels slowly begin to rise. As the
hurricane approaches and the surge develops under the influence of a
gently rising ocean floor and a favorable or indented shore contour,
the shoreline water level rises more rapidly. A higher surge will be
produced if the hurricane passes perpendicular to shore, tile velocity

MINE

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CLIMATE ANALYSIS

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F I G U R E12

of forward movement is slow, or the storm's diameter is very large.
Maximum storm heights experienced along the Gulf coast range between
10 and 22 feet.

Figure 13 shows the paths of historical hurricanes that have hit the
Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Recent hurricanes of interest were "Betsy"
in 1965 and "Carla" in 1971. On September 9, "Betsy" crossed the
Louisiana coastline near Grand Isle and proceeded inland west of the
Mississippi River. It is estimated that the hurricane caused inunda-
tion of 4,800 square miles of land in Louisiana, the death of 81 per-
sons, about one-quarter million persons to be evacuated and damages
in excess of 350 million dollars.

Implications for Planning

The subtropical climate itself imposes few constraints on human habi-
tation, though houses and buildings should be constructed to take ad-
vantage of climatic factors such as sun, wind and rain. The main
focus for planning should be concerned with the dramatic conditions
which prevail during severe storms and hurricanes.

All structures should be constructed to withstand the
stresses of hurricane-force winds.

Adequate planning for the dispostion of torrential rains
and localized flooding should be performed.

All structures built outside the levee system should be
designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and wind-
driven water at 100-year flood levels.

The levee system which protects the City of New Orleans
from hurricane storm surges should be accorded highest
priority in all planning decisions.

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BIOLOGY-(9)
The functioning of the coastal marsh ecosystem is complex and
diverse. The ecosystem is maintained by the inter-relationship of
a full range of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna, and extreme-
ly important water exchange processes. The few species considered
'Ovaluable" to man for commercial or sports activity represent merely
a small minority of life forms in the marsh. They are, for the most
part, a select group near the top of the food chain supported by an
enormous lower level biomass. The strength of the system lies in its
diversity. However, there are key processes, biotic types, food
chains, and habitats that ultimately control its health. When these
are impaired or destroyed the entire system faces gross reduction of
productivity or death.

Of basic importance to the ecosystem are the input of fresh water
and sediment through periodic flooding and marine tidal action.
Silt laden river water is a prime source of the inorganic nutrients
required by plants. Marine tidal action flushes detritus from the
marsh into the estuary and provides access to the marsh nursery for
crabs, shrimp and fish. The mixture of riverine and marine water
establishes the salinity balance necessary for the maintenance of
marsh vegetation, the prime source of organic detritus. Detritus
is all the particulate organic matter involved in the decomposition
of dead plants or animals. Detritus particles themselves, as well
as associated bacterial components provide the basis for the estua-
rine food web.

The organic detritus cycle is the biotic base of the entire marsh.
It starts with the photosynthetic conversion of inorganic nutrients
into forms of life. One portion of the cycle is essentially aqua-
tic. Dissolved nutrients are photosynthesized into phytoplankton and
algae, which are in turn fed upon by copepods, shrimp larvae, and
oysters.

The most important portion of detritus cycle, however, is the produc-
tion of marsh vegetation. Marsh plants contribute far more vegeta-
tive material than is normally consumed by the herbivores and are the
single most important source of organic detritus. Both portions of
this cycle are kept viable by riverine input and tidal action.

Marsh vegetation is eaten and returned to the system as respiratory
loss and feces; at death it is decomposed and converted to other
life forms. Bacteria convert cellulose and carbohydrates to concen-
trated protein. Some detritus is consumed in the marsh, but much is
flushed into adjacent water by tidal action. There detritus feeding
organisms, including shrimp and oysters, crabs, and zooplankton, are
able to make use of the partially decayed matter. The secondary con-
sumers, such as sea trout, drum, redfish, and killifish are dependent
upon the detritus-feeding organisms. The carnivores, alligators,
mink, otter and raccoons, rely upon aquatic life and herbivores for
their survival.

HIGHER CARNIVORES
CONSUMERS RACOON9 BIRDS9
000 MINK., OTTER9
FISH WIND ALLIGATOR
+
TIDAL ENERGY

000
SECONDARY HERBIVORES
CONSUMERS MUSKRAT
ORGANIC NUTRIA
MINNOWS ............ DETRITUS WATERFOWL

+
1000, BACTERIA
% ***

PRIMARY
CONSUMERS SMALL
AND
ZOOPLANKTON9 INORGANIC MEIOFAUNA
CRABS, SHRIMP NUTRIENTS
NOB
P04
SI

PRODUCERS MARSH
PHYTOPLANKTON, ALLUVIAL VEGETATION
AQUATIC PLANTS MARINE

MATERIAL
DEPOSITS

SOLAR ENERGY SOLAR ENERGY

SOURCE: PONTCHARTRAIN - NEW TOWN IN - TOWN, 1972
MODIFIE0 Fft0M A.W. PALMI SANO
C ARN

C Or
R @A I
0
M INK
W IND ALL

5: N;:Rr
FTinm y

:
S
ME IF,

MARSH -ESTUARY FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

F I G U R E 14

20
All trophic or food-chain levels contribute to organic detritus and
nutrient cycling through production of feces and excreta and eventu-
al death. Thus a combination of physical factors such as tidal ex-
change, riverine input of nutrients, climate, and the recycling of
materials by the biotic system serve to maintain the productivity and
stability of the marsh-estuarine system. When tidal effects and riv-
er input are stopped, as in levee-building movement of both detritus
and inorganic nutrients are greatly curtailed with a subsequent low-
ering of biomass and productivity.

Using categories established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,.
vegetative habitats are distributed as follows in Orleans Parish
(figures in acres; rounded to nearest 500th acre):

ZSTUARZNZ* LACUSTRINZ- PALUSTRINB* RIVERINZ* UPtAND*

open Zmarg nt Scrub Open Open Emergent Forested Open Developed Forested Scrub
Water Veget:tion Shrub Water Watef Vegetation Water Shrub

104,500 43,0000 Soo <500 1,500 8000 4000 48,000 1000 2000

A further discussion and definition of ve getative types can be found in the appendix of this document.
Also, Fcological Habitat Characterization Maps for Orleans Parish are reposited in the office of the City
Planning Commission.

Vegetation(10)

Vegetation types in the Parish closely parallel natural topography
and physiography and-in recent years have reflected the man-made
alterations to the natural system. Major vegetative types in the
Parish include natural levees, fresh swamp, intermediate, brackish
and saline marsh, modified wetlands and spoil areas seeking higher
elevations.

Natural Levees

The most distinctive phvsiographic features of the Parish are the
natural levee systems which follow the paths of the Mississippi Riv-
er, Metairie Bayou and Bayou Sauvage. The highest elevations are
found along the Mississippi River. These areas of higher elevation
and drainage were the first to be inhabited and modified for man's
use, but under natural conditions would support a diverse vegetative
community dominated by live oak. Other trees found in these areas
include hickory, pecan, sweetgum, magnolia, sweet bay, American elm,
hackberry and cottonwood. The principal value of the natural levees
to the wetlands is in the diversity of habitat which they provide.
They support a greater variety of plant species than any other vege-
tative type and also contribute to diversity by the occurrence of

occasional upland species. They provide nesting areas and cover for
many types of animals.

Since these areas provide the most suitable terrain for habitation
in the Parish, nearly all have been coverted to urban uses. Even
in those areas of the Parish that would be considered undeveloped
or sparsely developed, the natural levees have been claimed for resi-
dential or recreational uses or for transportation corridors, parti-
cularly along Bayou Sauvage and Bayou de Lassaire. U.S. Highway 90
essentially follows the path of these abandoned distributaries. The
natural levee forests remain in areas which are less accessible for
development, such as the north bank of Bayou SELuvage near Chef Men-
teur Pass.

Fresh Swamps

A swamp may be defined as wetland dominated by woody vegetation
which is periodically or permanently inundated. Fresh swamps usual-
ly occur adjacent to the natural levee system. They are formed
through the natural processes associated with EL river delta. With
overflow from the river, sediment is deposited on the bank slope of
the levee. Eventually, a lowland area with soil conditions stable
enough for the establishment of plants is formed. Annual floods
and/or rainfall runoff maintain the area as permanently or seasonally
flooded with fresh water. The plants in this zone must therefore be
tolerant of inundation.

In New Orleans most of the fresh swamp has been drained and convert-
ed to urban uses; however, isolated and sporadic areas of fresh swamp
still exist in certain locations in eastern New Orleans, particularly
adjacent to the Bayou Sauvage natural levee. All of these areas are
inside the Parish levee system but have not yet been drained. There
are no significant fresh swamp areas outside the levee system. His-
torically, the fresh swamps were dominated by bald cypress and
tupelogum.

Fresh Marsh

Fresh marshes are usually completely isolated :from salt water influ-
ences; upland drainage, rain, riverine overflow and backwater flood-
ing are the source of water and nutrients. Soil characteristics and
the depth of continuously standing water determine the forms of
plants that predominate; stands of vegetation, in turn, control the
abundance of wildlife species.

The numerous varieties of plants in fresh marshes, like those of del-
ta marshes, are found in zones which are defined by water depths.
Floating plants such as waterlilies and duckweek dominate in waters
deeper than 2 meters; pondweeds, milfoils and coontails are charac-
teristic submergent plants found in water between 1 and 2 meters
deep; similar water depths may support tall emergents such as cat-
tails and common reed. Maidencane, arrowhead, and paspalum are
common in shallow water and swales.

Fresh marshes in Orleans Parish frequently existed as narrow bands
separating brackish marshes from the natural levees; however, the
leveeing of large areas of brackish marsh, separating it from tidal
influences, is causing the brackish marsh to take on a distinctly
Tresh character. The succession from brackish to fresh water marsh.
is currently taking place in large areas of eastern New Orleans
inside the levee system. Outside the levees, the predominant marsh
type is brackish, with patches of fresh marsh occurring infrequent-
ly, if at all.

Intermediate Marsh

Intermediate marsh, like fresh marsh, normally occupies a transition-
al zone between the natural levees and the brackish marsh. The vege-
tation that predominates in areas of intermediate marsh is wiregrass,
deer pea, bulltongue, wild millet, bullwhip and sawgrass. Due to ex-
tensive leveeing activity in east New Orleans, many areas of formerly
brackish marsh are undergoing transition to fresh marsh. During this
succession, species usually associated with fresh marsh begin to ap-
pear in formerly brackish marsh areas as the salt content of the soil
water diminishes. The competition between fresh and brackish marsh
species creates the condition identified as intermediate marsh.

Brackish Marsh

A brackish marsh usually occurs as a transition between saline and
fresh conditions. In its simplest form this delicate balance occurs
during storm tide when saline water adds suspended sediment to the
marsh, replenishing nutrient supply. The process rejuvenates vegeta-
tion and fauna making it one of the most productive fishery and wild-
life habitats in the nation (Palmisano, 1970). Because the brackish
marsh is exposed to salt water on an irregular basis, fresh water is
an important regulating factor. Large proportions of fresh water
tend to favor broadleafed aquatic and semiaquatic plant species:
rushes, sedges, and cattails. More saline conditions favor cord-
grass, salt-grass, glassworts and sea oxeye (see Table 3 for scienti-
fic names).

Dominant plant species in brackish marshes include salt-meadow cord-
grass and saltgrass. Lower, wetter regions of the marsh contain
sedges, rushes, and canes. Elevated areas may harbor growths of
shrubs and woody vegetation such as groundsel bush, myrtle, and
willow.

Nearly all of the marshes in Orleans Parish, outside the levees, are
brackish marshes.

Saline Marshes

The daily tide is the prime regulating factor in the salt marsh.
Rising tides renew the supply of water, nutrients, and dissolved
salts. Falling tides remove these materials, along with dead vegeta-
tion . Sediment may be moved in either direction by the forces of
moving water.

TABLE 3
VEGETATION OF ORLEANS PARISH

Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name

Natural Levees Brackish Marsh

Live oak Quercus virginiana Wiregrass Spartina patens
Hickory Carya spp. Saltgrass Distichlis spicata
Pecan Carya illionoensis Oystergrass Spartina alterniflora
SweetgiLm Liquidambar styraciflua Three-cornered grass Scirpus olneyi
Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora Dwarf spikerush Eleocharis parvula
Sweet bay Magnolia virginiana Black rush Juncus roemerianus
American elm Ulmus americana Widgeongrass Ruppia maritimus
Hackberry Celtis laevigata Coco Scirpus maritimus
Cottonwood Populus deltoides (=S. robustus)
Water oak Quercus nigra
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis Saline Marsh
Willow Salix spp.
Dwarf palmetto Sabal minor Oystergrass Spartina alterniflora
Blackberry Rubus spp. Saltgrass Distichlis spicata
11awthorn Crataegus spp. Black rush Juncus roemerianus
Deciduous holly Illex decidua Wiregrass Spartina patens
Wax myrtle Myrica cerifera Saltwort Batis maritima
Switch cane Arundinaria tecta
Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon Spoil Areas

Fresh Marsh Willow Salix spp.
Buckbrush Baccharis halimifolia
Maiden cane Panicum. hemitomon Wax myrtle Myrica cerifera
Pennywort Hydrocotyl sp. Goldenrod Solidago spp.
Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata Roseau Phragmites communis
Alligator weed Alternantheria philoxeroides Wiregrass Spartina patens
Bullton(,-ue Sagittaria sp.
Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes

Dominant species

Sources: Burk and Associates, Inc., field survey, 1977 Hoese and Valentine, 1972
Chabrek, 1972 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Coastal Environments, 1972, 1977 1974

Salt marshes from the Texas to the New England coasts are dominated
by smooth cordgrass. The most common associates, usually found on
higher ground, include black rush, saltwort, glasswort, saltgrass,
and shoregrass. The cordgrass is characteristically encrusted with
algae and diatoms.

In Orleans Parish salt marshes exist as a narrow band bordering Lake
Borgne and the Rigolets.
Fisheries (11)

Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas account for about 9% of Louisi-
ana's crab harvest and 0.13% and 0.10%, respectively, of the state's
shrimp and fish harvest. These represent relatively modest contribu-
tions; however, the nursery potential of Lakes Pontchartrain and Mau-
repas amounts to about a half million acres, or about 30% of Hydro-
logic Unit I and about 15% of the state's total.

The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, dominates the commercial fishery
of Lake Pontchartrain. During the 13-year period of 1963-1975, the
blue crab accounted for, on the average, 67% of the value and 79% of
the volume of Lake Pontchartrain's catch. Yearly harvest varies be-
tween 45% and 96% of total catch.
Shrimp and fishes account for, on the average, 19% and 14%, respec-
tively, of the value and 10% each of the volume of the lake's catch.
The shrimp fishery in Lake Pontchartrain is made up predominantly of
two species, Penaeus aztecus (brown shrimp) and P. setiferus (white
shrimp). During a twelve month study in 1978, 85 species and 80,000
specimens of fish were collected in the lake and surrounding marsh.
Four species were dominant: Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy), Micropo-
gonias undulatus (Atlantic croaker), Brevoortia patronus (Gulf menha-
den), and Menidfa beryllina (tidewater silverside). The fish fauna
of Lake Pontchartrain is considered very transient with only half of
the lake species being year round residents.

Wildlife

The historic populations of wildlife in Orleans Parish have largely
been displaced by urban development. Only those areas yet to be
developed sustain a varied fauna. These areas include some natural
levees and backswamps, fresh water marshes, brackish marshes, and
salt marshes. Each area has a characteristic fauna.

Natural Levees and Backswamps

Natural levees support a wide range of upland wildlife. Rabbits,
mice and squirrels are particularly abundant. Formerly the levees
also provided habitat for bear and mountain lions. The backswamps
further provide habitat for a wide range of amphibians and aquatic
life forms as well as nutria, muskrats and raccoons. Although the
whole area supports numerous snakes, the natural levees and back-
swamps provide the most opportune habitat. The natural levees and
backswamps also provide the only nesting sites for birds which have
nests above ground.

Fresh Water Marshes

Crayfish, turtles, bass, catfish, and sunfish are common. Larger
01
consumers which prey upon these water dwellers include raccoons,
oppossums, muskrats, mink, nutria, waterfowl, and alligators. Many
species of geese and ducks utilize the dense vegetation during migra-
tions. Other common birds are red-winged blackbirds, sparrows,
rails, egrets, and herons.

Brackish Marshes

Small fish and turtles inhabit ponds in the brackish marsh, feeding
primarily upon plant material and small animals. Consumers include
insects, waterfowl, raccoons, oppossums, muskrats, nutria, and alli-
gators. Typical birds are the marsh red-winged blackbirds, bitterns,
rails, herons and egrets.

Salt Marshes

Seasonal cycles in salt marsh animals are common. Salt water and
estuarine species migrate into and out of the MELrsh with the daily
tides. Killifish, mullet, spot, croaker, crab, shrimp, and other
small fish and crustaceans feed on the abundant dead plant debris
and minute living plants. Larger fish include Sea trout, flounder,
drum and menhaden. Wading and shore birds (herons, egrets, sandpip-
ers) feed voraciously on these abundant aquatic forms. Furbearers
commonly found in salt marshes are the nutria and raccoon.

Mosquitos

Most New Orleanians are familiar with the irritating presence of mos-
quitos in Orleans Parish and can describe vividly the family outings
that were ruined by this pest. Many may not be aware, however, of
the serious economic and health hazards created by mosquitos. Stock-
men in coastal parishes have repeatedly lost half their calf crops
and many full-grown cattle due to insect bites in mosquito plague
years such as 1955, 1962 and 1963. In the past century diseases such
as malaria, yellow fever and dengue, all transmitted by mosquitos,
nearly destroyed the City. In 1853, a yellow fever epidemic claimed
a third of the City's population; whole families were victims. All
means of prevention were attempted, but it was Jriot then known that
the mosquitos carried the disease. Though a--treatment for yellow
fever has been found, other mosquito-borne diseases are still with
us, most notably encephalomyelitis. In 1980, eleven cases of this
disease in humans were reported in the City, all of them in the Lower
Ninth Ward. Also in 1980, two cases of Denque fever were recorded in
travelers returning to New Orleans. The high density of Aedes aegvp-
ti in the City makes the possibility of this disease coming int@@_tH_e
@@Tty a real threat.

The main problem mosquito in Orleans Parish is Aedes sollicitans.
This salt marsh species constitutes the greatest mosquito problem in
all the coastal parishes from Orleans to Cameron. Its eggs are laid
on moist ground, largely in the edges of salt and brackish marshes,

and are hatched following rains or high tides. When conditions are
right, adults can fly as far as 50 miles.

Two other important species, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefascia-
tus are known as container-br'eeders, breeding iii -abandoned tires,
jars and other pools of standing water. These two domestic species
are important because they can transmit Denque fever and Encephali-
tis, respectively.

In 1964, New Orleans initiated a mosquito control program that has
been very successful. Besides the important monitoring and educa-
tional aspects of this program, the focus has been on eliminating
areas and conditions conducive to the breeding of mosquitos as well
as destroying adult populations by spraying. A dragline is utilized
to dig ditches to drain fields and marshes and prevent the periodic
fluctuation of water levels conducive to breeding. Spraying is con-
ducted both by trucks and aircraft.

Implications for Planning

Since coastal marsh ecosystems are so complex and diverse, it is of
vital importance that important, interrelated processes are main-
tained.

Input of fresh water and sediment should be maintained and
improved wherever possible.

The production of marsh vegetation should be maintained and
enhanced if possible.

When wetlands are modified for development purposes, care
should be taken to revegetate with species suited to the new
environment.

Obstructions to marine tidal flow in marshes should be avoid-
ed if at all possible.

Wildlife that is displaced by urban development should be re-
located to appropriate habitat.

Development plans should include adequate open space and re-
tention of trees wherever possible to provide habitat for
nesting birds.

The Mosquito Control Program is vital to the health and wel-
fare of the citizens of New Orleans and continuation of its
operations in all aspects is encouraged.

SOILS

The New Orleans area consists of both organic and mineral soils with
a wide range of characteristics that affects their use for urban pur-
poses. Flooding, wetness, subsidence and unstable material to support
foundations are problems with which planners and developers must
cope. The mineral soils range from loamy soils above flooding eleva-
tions that have good bearing strength to semifluid clayey soils near
sea level. The organic soils, at sea level elevations and below,
vary greatly in thickness of organic materials and substratum consis-
tency.

Soil associations typically follow the physiographical and topograph-
ic characteristics of the area. In Orleans Parish this consists of
.three distinct areas: (1) natural levees, (2) swamps, and (3) marsh-
,ese Furthermore, man-made features such as leveeing and draining add
further distinctions to the soil types. Figure 15 shows the rela-
tionship of soils to land form, vegetation and parent material.

The following is a brief description of the soil groups and associa-
tl@
tions shown in Figure 16. These groups were the result of the gene-
ral soil survey performed by the Soil Conservation Service in 1970.
A detailed soil survey for Orleans Parish is scheduled to be complet-
ed in the near future.

Note: use of the word "protected" means areas protected by levees
with pumpoff drainage. The word "unprotected" refers to areas, leveed
or not, without pumping capacity.

1. COMNIERCE-SHARKEY A3SOCIATION - Nearly level loamy and clayey
soils.

This is an area of nearly level, alkaline soils of the natural levees
of the Mississippi River and its distributaries. Most of the land is
in urban or industrial uses. The somewhat poorly drained Commerce
soils at the higher elevations make up about 50 percent of the asso-
ciation. They have a dark grayish-brown silty loa.m or silty clay
loam surface and a grayish-brown silty loam subsoil. The poorly
drained Sharkey soils in the depressions and at lower elevations make
up about 30 percent of the association. They have a very dark gray-
ish-brown clay surface and a gray clay subsoil. Vacherie, Convent
and Tunica soils make up.most of the remaining 210 percent of the
association.

2. LOAMY ALLUVIAL LAND - Loamy floodplain lands.

This is an area of nearly level, alkaline, floodplain land between
the Mississippi River and the protection levees, commonly referred to
as the batture. The land is subject to frequent flooding, scouring
and deposition from flood waters of the Mississippi River. Most of
the acreage is covered with dense stands of willows. Harbor facili-
ties and other marine type installations take up a Small part of the
area. Most of this land consists of stratified grayish-brown silt
loam, very fine and fine sandy loam materials.

COMMERCE

BARBARY

;P,=- OPEN
SALT
16 WATER
SHARKEY
ALLEMhNDS
...... . . . . ....

SHARKEY
LAFITTE

10,

APO
V4- 0,
CENNER

KENNER
............

ty. PR
P AT Olt lAddIt C
N
FIRM CLA
LU C Y. MIFLUID cl

CoMMiRCE SHARKEY BARBARY AL MANDS KENNER LArITTZ
slit loom muck peat

muck
semifluid with
loom and :90 9a.: I
2 slit loom clay ovd: muck thin muck
layers
firm
clay 0,
V.. . of
3
9emifluld semifluid
clay clay
mucky clay semifluid
SlIty and cloy
clay muck
loom

SOURCE: REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION - 1670
Schematic Relationship of So.ils to Land Form, Vegetation ,
and Parent Material

F 10 U R E 15

post 0

C.Togn..1

L A X I P 0 N T C H A III T R A I N

VY@
A V@'N
'A
@( UP.

Fr.

fir.
.... . ...
L E

SOURCE: U.S. 04POrtment ot'Agricultu
G ORLE
ENERAL $OIL' MAP

GENERAL SOIL MAP ORLEANS PARISH, LOU

3. MARSH - Protected organic and mineral marshland.

This is an area of protected fresh marshland mostly adjacent to Lake
Pontchartrain in the northwestern part of the parish. Most of the
acreage is, or is being developed for urban or industrial use. This
land occurs mostly at low elevations and is leveed and drained by
pumps.

About 70 percent of this association consists of organic material
more than several feet thick that is underlain by a slightly firm
gray clay. Some of this area is covered with loamy fill material.
Marsh lands unprotected, drained swamp lands and "made lands" make up
most of the remaining 30 percent of the association. Made lands are
leveed and drained areas of former wetlands that have been filled to
make them developable.

4. MARSH - Mineral and organic marsh land.

This is an area of moderately saline to salt water marsh land that
makes up most of the eastern part of the parish. Most of the area is
unprotected from flooding. Most of the land is too unstable for
livestock grazing and is left as wildlife habitat. This land is near
sea level and the water table is at or above the surface most of the
time. It is frequently flooded by saline tide waters. Most of the
land consists of organic layers of various thicknesses, underlain by
slightly firm to dispersed gray clays. A moderate-part of the area
is underlain, but mostly at depths of several feet, by fine sands.
Made lands and brackish swamp land make up a minor part of.the asso-
ciation.

5. SWAMP-MADE LAND ASSOCIATION - Protected swamp land and made land.

This is an area of organic and clayey swamp land that is protected by
levees and drained by pumps. A large part of the area is covered
with loamy fill material. Most of the land is in urban or industrial
uses. The very poorly drained swamp lands make up about 45 percent
of the association. They have an organic or gray clayey surface un-
derlain by a firm gray clay subsoil generally interspersed with an
organic strata. The "somewhat poorly" to "poorly" drained made lands
comprise about 30 percent of the association. They consist of about
3 feet of grayish-brown loamy materials over clayey and organic swamp
lands. Sharkey soils, drained marsh lands and lands unprotected from
flooding constitute most of the remaining 25 percent of the associa-
tion.

6. SWAMP - Mineral and organic swamp land.

This is an area of swamp land in the central part of the parish. Most
of this area is in woodland or brush and acts its wildlife habitat.
This land occurs at low elevations and is flooded some of the time.
About 40 percent of the area has a 4 to 15 inch organic surface un-
derlain by a soft gray clay interspersed with an organic strata.

About 35 percent of the area has an organic surf ace more than 39
inches in thickness and is underlain by soft or dispersed gray clays.
Marsh land and small areas that are protected by levees and drainage
pumps make up most of the remaining 25 percent of the association.

Implications for Planning

Poorly drained soils and soils with high organic content have histor-
ically posed a constraint to development in New Orleans; however,
technology can overcome most of these constraints. The most commonly
occurring problem is the settlement of structures after they are
built or the subsidence of land away from secured structures.

Expedite compaction process/or minimize subsidence in new
subdivisions in former wetlands.

Innovative engineering design should be used to minimize
problems associated with subsidence.

The Building Code should be reviewed and possible amended
to incorporate techniques to minimize sabsidence-related
problems.

Property owners should be advised of soil conditions in
their area as a condition of purchasing.

RESOURCES

Major resources attributable to the geologic and physiographic condi-
tions of Orleans Parish can be categorized as either renewable or
non-renewable.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources are those that replenish themselves through natu-
ral processes. They can be further grouped into those that can be
harvested for economic gain, such as fish, shrimp and crabs, and
those that provide beneficial capacities to man but are not easily
exploited, i.e.: flood protection and water purification functions.
Major economic activities related to renewable resource use include
commercial fishing, seafood processing, trapping, recreational hunt-
ing and sport fishing.

Fishing is the area's oldest industry and continues to be a vital
factor in the regional economy and culture. Commercial landings in
Louisiana in 1976 totaled nearly 1.25 billion pounds and amount-ed to
almost one-fourth of all the fish caught by United States fishermen
that year (LCRP, DEIS, 1979). Dockside value of the 1976 catch was
over $135 million. Four of the top six commercial fishing ports in
the United States, in terms of total fish weight, were located along
the Louisiana coast.

At a federal hearing on proposed development project.si Dr. John Day
(1974), testified that the Lake Maurepas-Pontchartrain-Catherine-
Borgne estuary accounts for 25 percent of Louisiana's total annual
fisheries catch of 1.2 billion pounds. He further stated, "more than
one-half of the food the fish and shellfish live on is derived from
organic material released by wetlands fringing the lake." The east-
ern section of the state containing the Maurepas-Pontchartrain-
Borgne estuary system accounted for 35% of the total shellfish land-
ings in the state in 1977 and had a dollar value of over 32 million
dollars. Over 5.5 million pounds of fish were landed in this region
and were valued at 1.7 million dollars (Day, 1974). Gosselink, Odum,
and Pope (1973) in a study of marshes estimated that seafood process-
ing increases the dockside value of fisheries by 75% (Mumphrey, et
al, 1975). This would place the aggregate value of the eastern sec-
tion estuary system at $58,975,000. The National Marine Fisheries
Service points out that while the documented seafood landings (total
fishes caught, including crabs, shrimp, menhaden, oysters, etc.) are
not within the confines of Orleans Parish, the life cycle of the sea
animals depends upon the interrelationship of the waters within and
surrounding Orleans Parish.

The economic impact of recreational hunting and fishing in a state
which calls itself "Sportman's Paradise" cannot be overlooked. The
State Parks and Recreational Commission (1974) projected high-quarter
(the three-month portion of the year in which the activity is-most
pursued) hunting and fishing participation in excess of 18 million
user-days in Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Bernard Parishes. Of that

total roughly 11.5 million high-quarter user-days were projected for
fishing (saltwater and freshwater) and shell-fishing (crawfishing and
crabbing); and roughly 7 million high-quarter user-days were project-
ed for hunting (big game, small game and waterfowl). Obviously, the
economic ramifications--including expenditures for equipment, sup-
plies, transportation and so forth--are extensive and sizeable enough
to qualify recreational hunting and fishing as a major economic ac-
tivity in the Orleans Parish area.

Another basic industry of Lake Pontchartrain is shell dredging. Hun-
dreds of pounds of predominantly fossilized RanjLiLa cuneata clams are
taken from the lake each year. In a report by Johnnie W. Tarver
(1972), it is estimated that the clam industry has a value of $40
million dollars. Partial cost breakdown shows $18.7 million worth of
equipment, $4.0 million payroll to 510 employees who live in parishes
surrounding the lake; $10.1 million in purchased services; $2.0 mil-
lion in taxes. While the bulk of the industry depends on fossilized
shells, and the industry in today's form has a limited future, re-
plenishment is important to prolong what is presently an important
contribution to the area's economy. Replenishment depends on major
disturbances not occurring.in the clam's environment.

In addition to the exploitive resources, the wetlands in eastern
Orleans Parish provide capacities which are beneficial to man, such
as the assimilitive capacity to absorb pollutants and the function of
buffer zones against tropical storms.

The wetlands can assimilate much more than they are currently hand-
ling in the form of nutrients. Studies have shown, for example, that
water hyacinths, considered a severe plant pest, can concentrate
heavy metals (such as mercury) and remove them from the water (Day,
1975)@. Because of the marsh's high capacity for assimilation, pollu-
tants dumped into the coastal waters can be filtered substantially
before they enter the lower estuarine waters.

Another function of wetlands, especially for New Orleans, is to act
as a buffer against storms. When a hurricane crosses a marsh, fric-
tion slows down the waves and winds to some extent, so that the pro-
tective levees take less of a pounding from the elements. This is in
addition to the storage of water from tidal surges associated with
hurricanes.

Non-Renewable Resources

The most significant non-renewable resources in Orleans Parish are
oil and gas. The mining industry in the New Orleans area has grown
in recent years as a result of increased offshore drilling activity
off the coast of Louisiana. The industry has largely been a mainstay
of the CBD office market, yet, in recent years, an increasing number
of permits have been sought to drill in Orleans Parish inland waters.
Most of this activity has been located in Lake Pontchartrain, Lake
St. Catherine or the wetlands adjacent to them. While the extent of
oil and gas reserves in the lake is not yet ascertained, it can be
anticipated that drilling and exploration will continue to expand in
this area.

At this writing, there are 25 producing wells in Orleans Parish, all
in the eastern part of the Parish. They are all gas wells and are
generally deeper than 16,000 feet. Approximately 20 are in the
marshes adjacent to Lake St. Catherine, near Unknown Pass. Four pro-
ducers are in the Rigolets near the entrance to Lake Borgne and one
is in the vicinity of Fort Pike.See Figure 17.

Cultural Resources(Submitted by Dr. Richard Shenkel, University of
New Orleans, 1978)

The archaeological resource base of Orleans Parish is both broad and
important. It contains a record of human occupation from about 5,000
to (3,000 B.C. to the present with archaeological sites ran-in," from
" 0
small Indian encampments to the whole of historic New Orleans. Seri-
ous archaeological research has been undertaken in the parish inter-
mitteutly since the 1930's. Much of the earlier work involved recon-
naissance with some excavation in an attempt to inventory and cata-
logue the prehistoric Indian occupation. The search for sites was
not particularly systematic and tended to be concentrated in areas of
relatively easy access, especially along the shores of Lake Pontchar-
train. More recent work has involved the excavation of certain
sites, both historic and prehistoric, in an effort to more fully un-
derstand the archaeological past.

It is certain that the full range of archaeological resources of the
parish is not yet known. The parish has never been rigorously sur-
veyed and tested for the presence of sites in all areas. Further,
given the geomorphic character of the parish, with alternating peri-
ods of sedimentation and subsidence, many sites are undoubtedly
buried beneath current land surfaces. These sites will only be dis-
covered during subsurface construction activity.

The most common archaeological sites in coastal Louisiana are mid-
dens, which are concentrations of various kinds of refuse built up
over a period of years and represent the collected garbage of the
prehistoric occupants of the site. For most of the periods in Louis-
iana prehistory middens represent habitation sites. They often con-
tain burials that may or may not have attendant grave goods. In
Southeastern Louisiana, two molluscan species were heavily exploited

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LOCATION of OIL and GAS RESOURC

and their shells are the predominant constituent in the composition
of local middens. These are the oyster and the brackish water clam,
Rangia cuneata. Oysters were the staple of the Archaic period while
the later, ceramic-making peoples shifted to heavy dependence on
Rangia.

A very common site type in the Pontchartrain Basin is referred to as
a beach deposit. This is generally an inundated shell midden par-
tially or completely destroyed by wave action located on a present
beach and characterized by water tumbled artifacts and disturbed sur-
faces. It is suspected that, given area-wide subsidence, many beach
deposits may still have considerable subsurface, hence underwater,
intact remains. Relatively rare in Southeast Louisiana is the site
type referred to as an earthmound. These mounds of varying sizes and
heights are intentionally created elevated areas that serve as spe-
cial burial tumuli, foundations for special structures, or both.
Earth mounds generally have midden deposits near -them. Rarely found,
but probably quite common are the remains of short occupation camp-
sites. These sites are small and are characterized by a very limited
artifact.assemblage thinly scattered over the surface.

Recently collected data suggests that many midden sites may represent
special collection stations and are not the remains of actual settle-
ments. If we are ever to completely understand the full scope of the
prehistoric Indian adjustment to the varied and rich environments of
southeast Louisiana, the preservation of all remaining archaeological
sites, no matter how insignificant in surface appearance, becomes
critically important until systematic excavation can be effected.

Figure 18 identifies the listed archaeological sites in Orleans Par-
ish. While the vast majority are middens or beach deposits, three
are historical structures of some significance. 160R60 is the re-
mains of a nineteenth century lighthouse located on the south bank of
the Rigolets at Lake Pontchartrain, about 1,000 meters northwest of
Fort Pike.

Fort Pike, 160R57, is an 1830's historic fort located on 125 acres on
the east bank of the Rigolets at U.S. Highway 90. The area provides
fishing, picnicking and boat launching. Although Fort Pike is in
good physical condition, it has serious structural problems. Erosion
of the banks of the Rigolets threatens to undermine the stability of
the wall facing the Rigolets. Also, the great weight of sodden earth
in the corner bastions and over the casemates threatens to break up
the fort by causing it to settle unevenly. Presently, funds are be-
ing sought by the Office of State Parks to implement a program of
stabilization.

160R32, Fort Macomb, is located at Chef Pass, just off of U.S. High-
way 90 and is similar in design and construction to Fort Pike. This
masonry fort is reputed to have been built on an Indian site. Unfor-
tunately, Fort Macomb is in an advanced stage of deterioration.

A more detailed discussion of the archaeological record of Orleans
Parish is contained in the appendix to this document.

e lp OR-34 OR-60

0.01 PONT

OR-31

OR-14

0 L A 9 1 FOMIC HANTO Ate
0
-30
R
(t .15 OR-29,

OR-3
OR-2
Olt- 0 -38 OR54
a" OR-37 R-56 -AVON
OR I .00,v
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SOURCE: Dr. 0114hord Sheakel, Univerolty of Now Orleans
Department Of Anthropology - 1978

ARCHAEOLOGICAL 'AND HISTORICAL SI

Implications for Planning

The abundant resources of Orleans Parish have been an economic and
recreational asset to residents of New Orleans for many generations.
More importantly, the coastal marshes in Orleans Parish are vital to
the economic well-being of the region in addition to performing cru-
cial water-control functions for the whole estuary.

Major reductions of coastal marshes in eastern Orleans
Parish would have severe impacts on social and economic
activities throughout the region.

Sporting activities such as hunting and fishing are impor-
tant in Orleans Parish and are directly linked to the
health of the coastal marshes.

While commercial fishing activities occur mostly in adja-
cent parishes, the harvest is directly linked to the qual-
ity of the Pontchartrain estuary.

Oil and gas extraction is an important, growing industry
in Orleans Parish.

The exploration for and extraction of oil and gas should
be conducted in a manner compatible with renewable re-
source conservation.

The rich cultural history of Orleans Parish, including
archaeological and historical sites, should be preserved.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

In spite of the uninviting physical characteristics of the site
chosen for the City of New orleans, the site was successfully do-
veloped and the City has enjoyed a long and prosperous history.
Having examined the environment and its advantages and disadvan-
tages-for human occupation, let us turn our attention to the people
who settled here and made the community work.

The Development of Orleans Parish

History traces the development of New Orleans back to the late 17th
century at the time of La Salle's claiming this entire area under
the name of King Louis XIV of France in 1682. It remained nothing
more than a small settlement until 1718, when in honor of the Re-
gent of France, Phillippe, Due d'Orleans, Sieur de Bienville had
his engineers, Pierre Le Blond de la Tour and Adrien de Pauger,
plot the original city which is today known as the French Quarter.

The capitol of the Empire of Louisiana was first located in Mobile
in 1682, moved to Biloxi in 1699, and finally to the present site
of New Orleans in 1718. The existence of Bayou St. John and the
old portage by which the Indians commuted from Lake Pontchartrain
to the Mississippi River seems to have been the deciding factor in
locating the new city. The crescent bend in the river provided a
comma-nding position by which the river was visible both up and down
for a considerable distance. The city could also enjoy to a maxi-
mum degree the cooling breezes blowing from it.

Levee construction was the first public works in Louisiana, and
frorn, it stemmed highway building. Before Bienville could clear the
site for New Orleans, the Mississippi flooded and he suspended the
work until he could build a low dike in front and a water drainage
canal in back to keep the city above water. Colonists extended the
embankments in front of their riverfront holdings, which provided
land travel through the swampy wilderness. An ordinance issued in
1732 by Governor Perier required property owners along the Mississ-
ippi to clear the river front back to the depth of three arpents
(573 feet), to raise and maitain a levee six feet wide by at least
two high, and to lay out a wagon road eight toises (48 feet) wide
on the land side of the levee. According to N.1M. Miller Surrey's
ME Commerce of Louisiana During the French Regime, 1699-1763, by 1763,
the plantations and settlements above and below New Orleans had
evoked 50 miles of coach road along the river front.

John Law's grandiose real estate project, the "Mississippi Bubble,"
provided New Orleans with an early increase in population. In ad-
dition to the civil and military officials, the population consist-
ed of slaves, soliders, trappers, merchants and German redemption-
ers. In 1727 the Ursuline Order arrived providing nuns working as
nurses and teachers, and young French women under their supervision
to supply wives for the colonists.

In spite of hardships caused by malaria, floods, and hostile Indi-
ans the city continued to expand and develop and by 1737 became a

French crown colony under Louis XV. Population continued to ex-
pand. People arrived on ships from France and traders floated down
the Mississippi River from the North. Upriver travel was not pos-
sible until much later, 1814, when the steamboat appeared.

In 1762, Louis XV ceded Louisiana to his cousin, King Charles III
of Spain, by the Treaty of Containbleau, 1762. It was not until
-1766, when Don Antonio de Ulloa and his party arrived that Spain
actually took possession of New Orleans. The French officials and
citizens, feeling that they had been betrayed, refused to follow de
Ulloals rule and forced him to leave in 1768 under threat of being
hung. This act marked the first time in America that a colony en-
joyed freedom from a foreign rule.

Freedom lasted only eight months, however, as in the summer of
1769, 25 Spanish war ships with over 3,000 soldiers arrived and re-
claimed the territory. Don Bernardo de Galvez was made Governor of
Louisiana in 1770. During the early 1770's Spain and Great Britain
were pirating each other's merchant ships in the Atlantic. This
practice continued to expand over the next few years and in August
of 1776, upon learning of the revolt of the New England Colonies
against Great Britain, de Galvez sent twenty of his largest vessels
laden with supplies of ammunitions out into the, Gulf of Mexico and
up the eastern sea coast to New York. This was greatly appreciated
by the revolutionaries and Oliver Pollack, a Member of the Conti-
nental Congress was sent to Spain to extend personal thanks to
Spain and Charles III. This and other events caused Great Britain
to declare war on Spain in 1779.

In order that all of Great Britain's holdings were elminated in
America, de Galvez wiped out British colonies in Mobile, Baton
Rouge, Pensacola and Natchez in 1780 and 1781.

Spain's war with Great Britain was costly and <hough she looked
on Louisiana as a valued property, she could no longer afford to
keep it. Great Britain, it was feared, would seize it. By the
Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1801, Louisiana was ceded to France.

The Spanish period had been prosperous for New Or-leans. Sugar cane
had been successfully planted and processed, the city was rebuilt
after the great fires of 1788 and 1794 according to more stringent
building codes, and the first newspaper in Louisiana was pub-
lished.

In two short years France too feared that she could not keep it,
and the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803, deeding the entire
property to the United States for $15 million.

New Orleanians did not like the intervention and appearance of the
Americans and fights were so fierce that the Americans built up
their own area on the other side of Canal Street. The city was
incorporated in 1805, and in 1812 Louisiana was admitted to the
Union.

Late in 1812, during the War of 1812, the British began the first
of their repeated attempts to seize New Orleans and thus control
the Mississippi River. In early 1915, this reached its head. Gen-
eral Andrew Jackson and his "Kentucks" arrived and teamed up with
the noted pirate Jean Lafitte, Chocktow Indians, Creoles and Negro
slaves for an extremely fierce 29 day battle, the Battle of New Or-
leans. The British were beaten back and driven off as Jackson lost
only 52 men and the British 2,200.

It was now apparent that at last the Mississippi River was secure
and free. This fact, the development of the steamboat, cotton and
tobacco brought New Orleans into its "Golden Age." By 1840, the
city was the second wealthiest city, second only to New York City,
and fourth in population. It grew and became the bulwark of the
Confederacy until it was occupied by Union Troops in 1862.

After the Civil War the city boundaries expanded rapidly. The city
of Lafayette had been absorbed in 1852, and Algiers and Jefferson
City were annexed in 1870 as the fifth and sixth districts; two
years later Carrollton became the seventh district, rounding out
the present boundaries of the city and parish. The city developed
much more slowly toward the lake because the swamp had to be
cleared and drained. Bayou Road led to the old French settlements
on Bayou St. John near the present head of Esplanade Avenue. Fau-
bourg Treme developed back of Congo Square in the 1830's, and the
building of the Pontchartrain Railroad in 1831 developed Elysian
Fields Avenue and Milneburg. There was also a road along Bayou St.
John to Spanish Fort. In the 1840's Common Street was the chief
road to the cemeteries and Metairie Race Track. A bridge crossed
the New Basin Canal at this point and a shell road led to Lake End
(now West End). All of the residential sections of the city beyond
Claiborne Avenue were swamp tracts and dairy farms until the drain-
age system, was built and their development began.

In 1879 Captain James B. Eads succeeded in overcoming the greatest
single obstacle in the commercial development of New Orleans -
shallow water at the mouth of the Mississippi. A depth of from
twenty-six to thirty feet was secured by a system of jetties which
forced the current to deepen its channels and carry the silt out
into the Gulf of Mexico. After the jetties proved successful,
railroad expansion began. Legislative franchises for railroads be-
ing obtained, new lines were constructed. Five large trunk lines
entered New Orleans by 1890, and a new era in the commercial devel-
opment of the city began. The volume of railroad business in--
creased from 937,634 tons in 1880 to 5,500,000 tons in 1299.

In 1882 Canal Street was illuminated by electric lights. Royal
Street came next in 1884, and in 1886 the system was extended to
include most of the city. In 1884 and 1885 the Cotton Centennial
Exposition was held in New Orleans on the present site of Audubon
Park. In 1892 the first electric street-car was operated along
St. Charles Avenue. Within a year or so several electric lines
were in service.

Between 1890 and 1895 a semi-private organization called the Sewer-
age and Drainage Company undertook the construction and operation
of the city's first extensive system of sewage disposal. The first
serious effort to drain New Orleans was in 1335, when the New Or-
leans Draining Co. was formed and dug what became the Melpomene
Drainage Canal in 1838. It wasn't until the 1890's that the City
Council recognized the problem of drainage. In 1896 a drainage
plan was devised and became the basis for an elaborate drainage
system, designed by George Earl and presently in use today.

It was not until the improvement of drainage and the invention of
the automobile that the decentralization and expansion of the popu-
lation became evident in the New Orleans region. The trend of pop-
ulation today continues in an outward direction. This dispersal of
the population has resulted in a greater economic segregation of
the population, a trend experienced in other large metropolitan
areas. As the low income area of the central city expands, so does
the suburban migration of the middle and upper class resident.

While the economy of the region is shaped by the land and people,
it in turn has become a factor influencing the physical environment
and activities of the population. During this early period the
economy of New Orleans was largely agricultural., but as trade,
transportation, manufacturing and services became major components
of the economy the importance of agriculture declined steadily.

Americanization brought not only unrestricted trade, but also the
improvement of trade routes. The port has alWSLys been the region's
major economic activity and today it is the second ranking port in
the world with port activities accounting directly or indirectly
for nearly half of the jobs in the metropolitan area.

Implications for Planning

The cultural history of the city has played a significant role in
determining man's reaction to his natural environment. New Orlean-
ians have traditionally sought to reap from the marshes and wate:
ways many food products which collectively have become known as New
Orleans cuisine, and to rely upon the estuaries for recreational
pursuit. However, at the same time, New Orleani&ns have sought to
drain and fill these marshes which have given the city its distinc_
tive life style. By understanding man's activities in relation to
the environment, a more harmonious balance can be achieved which
allows expansion without destroying those factors necessary for the-
preservation of the New Orleans quality of life.

38
GOVERNMENT (12)

With the passage of the home rule city charter in 1954, the City of
New Orleans adopted a mayor-council form of government which re-
mains in existence today. The charter created the executive and
legislative branches of the New Orleans Government and specified
the organization and functions of the Office of the Mayor, the City
Council and the officers, departments and boards associated with
the administration of the city government. Moreoever, numerous
boards and offices created by the State constitution or statute
continue to have jurisdiction over various aspects of the city's
affairs.

In addition, it is important to note that the City's boundaries are
conterminous with those of Orleans Parish arid that the City govern-
ment apparatus performs the governmental function for the City of
New Orleans and Orleans Parish. There is no institutional county
government although the State has created some parish offices which
function as part, or in accordance with, the city governmental
machinery.

The Legislative Branch

The City Council is the legislative branch of the city government.
It is composed of seven members - five elected from districts and
two elected at-large. One of the at-large Councilmen serves as
Acting Mayor in the absence of the cnief executive.

The Council meets weekly and with a staff of 25 is responsible for
passing legislation to govern city affairs, to levey authorized
taxes and fees, approve zoning actions, grant franchises and privi-
leges, investigate city operations and adopt an annual operating
budget. Any ordinance passed by the Council may be vetoed by the
Mayor within ten days of passage, which veto can be overridden by
the Council with a two-thirds vote.

The Executive Branch

The Mayor of the City of New Orleans is elected to a four year term
and can be reelected to only one consecutive term. Attached to the
Mayor's office are three branches: Intergovernmental Relations;
Human Resources; and Planning and Development. The Chief Adminis-
trative Office (CAO) is a separate office charged with coordinating
fiscal and other activities of City departments, agencies arid com-
missions.

The Executive Branch also includes 13 departments which are recog-
nized in the City Charter. Department heads are appointed by the
'Clhief Administrative Officer and approved by the Mayor. Funds are
appropriated from the city operating budget to sustain the Depart-
ments.

In addition to the Departments, the charter also established a num-
ber of boards and commissions which fall into three categories: a
departmental board acts as an administrative body for a department;

an attached board is related to but not part of a department to
which it is attached; an unattached board functions independently
of any department. A list of the departments follows;

Department of Law: headed by the City Attorney who is appointed by
the Mayor; provides representation and counsel to the City in all
legal matters.

Police Department: responsible for enforcing the laws of Orleans
Parish, protecting lives, property rights and liberty of the
people.

Fire Department: responsible for fire protection, safety stand-
ards, inspection and enforcement.

Department of Safety and Permits: enforcement of ordinances regu-
lating building trades except plumbing; enforcement of minimum
housing ordinance; inspection of motor vehicles; attached boards
are the Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments and Board of
Building Standards and Appeals.

Department of Sanitation: responsible for the collection and
disposition of solid wastes in the Parish.

Department of Streets: responsible for the design, construction
and maintenance of City streets and traffic control facilities.

New Orleans Recreation Department: responsible for recreational
programs, which include cultural and athletic activities, for all
age groups.

Department of Welfare: The major function of the city welfare de-
partment, which is headed by a Mayor-appointed and council-approved
nine-member board, is to maintain the operations of city-owned or
subsidized welfare institutions. It also administers family coun-
seling and crisis intervention services to families in the Desire,
Central City and Fischer poverty areas.

Department of Health: operating bureaus include vital records,
communicable diseases, tuberculosis control, public health nursing,
maternal and child health, venereal disease control, vector con-
trol, public health sanitation, mosquito control and a narcotic
addict rehabilitation program; city operates no public hospitals.

Department of Finance: responsible for collection, accounting and
disbursing of funds. Property Management: responsible for main-
taining and managing public buildings, real estate, and cemeteries
owned by the City; maintains records of ownership of all property
in the City; attached board is the 24-member Board of Managers of
Delgado College.

Department of Property Management: resonsible for all Parish-owned
property and equipment.

Department of Utilities: responsible for the administration of
ordinances, regulating of franchises and privileges, taxicabs and
sight-seeing vehicles; planning street lighting; has given a fran-
chise for an indeterminate length of time to a privately-owned cor-
poration, New Orleans Public Service, Inc. (NOPSI) to supply gas
and electricity as well a transit to the city's residents. Under
the agreement, the City reserves the right to purchase the corpora-
tion.

Independent Agencies

Unattached boards created by the charter operate in a relatively
autonomous atmosphere except that each board has some or all of its
members appointed by the Mayor. The Mayor through the CAO's Office
also exercises a general oversight over the operations of the
boards and coordinates them with the other activities of the city.
The unattached boards are the Board of Liquidation, City Debt; the
Sewerage and Water Board; the Board of City Trusts; the Planning
Commission; the Public Library Board; the Aviation Board and the
Parkway and Park Commission.

The state legislature has created or recognized agencies which are
independent of and yet affect the operations of the City govern-
ment. They include the Housing Authority of New Orleans; the Miss-
issippi River Bridge Authority; the Board of Commissioners of the
Port of New Orleans, which maintains and supervises all port facil-
ities in the Port of New Orleans, the Board of Levee Commissioners
of Orleans Levee District, which works with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, constructs and maintains levees, lakefront reclamation
and manages the Levee Board properties including the Lake Pontchar-
train beach; the Community Improvement Agency which is responsible
for the rehabilitation and development of "community development"
neighborhoods; and the Regional Planning Commission which serves
and is financed by the four-parish area; Orleans, Jefferson, St.
Tammany and St. Bernard Parishes.

The state has also created parish offices which are autonomous
agents of the state government even though they have a significant
impact upon the city. In addition to the welfare agency mentioned
earlier, they are the Board of Assessors and the School Board, each
of which provides for the direct election of their imembers, the
District Attorney, the Coroner's Office. The City in part subsi-
dizes the operations of the Board of Assessors, the District Attor-
ney and the Coroner's office.

An agency which has been established as a private corporation but
which has a significant effect upon the city government is the Of-
fice of Economic Opportunity agency, Total Community Action (TCA),
which often acts in concert with the Human Resources Committee to
assist low income residents in upgrading their economic status and
creating visibility for community problems.

Implications for Planning

The City government apparatus performs the governmental function
for both the City of New Orleans and Orleans Parish. This has sig-
nificant implications for coastal planning sinci@_Ft_ minimizes the
need for intergovernmental agreements and arrangements concerning
land use planning and permitting authority. These functions are
performed by the City Planning Commission and the Department of
Safety and Permits, respectively.

State boards and governmental bodies exercising authority in the
coastal zone of Orleans Parish, particularly the Board of Commis-
sioners of the Port of New Orleans and the Orleans Levee Board, are
required to be consistent with the Louisiana Coastal Resources Pro-
gram and approved local programs by Section 213-13 of Act 361.

The preceeding list of governmental entities would indicate a frag-
mentation of the decision-making process within the Parish; howev-
er, the Planning Advisory Committee, composed of all the listed
agencies, departments and commissions meets once a week to review
permit applications and other matters of concern to the City. This
interim review process will be valuable in administering the coast-
al use permit "one stop" process.

POPULATION

The 1980 census population in Orleans Parish was 557,761 persons, a
6.1% decrease in population since the 1970 census. This decrease
continues a trend that was first observed in the 1970 census when
population declined by 5.4%. Table 4, "Census Populations in Or-
leans Parish, 1810-1980," gives the population counts for the City
of New Orleans during the last 170 years.

Table 4

Census Populations in Orleans Parish, 1810-1980

Year Population 76 Change Year Population % Change

1810 24,552 - 1900 287,104 18.6
1820 41,351 68.5 1910 339,075 18.1
1830 49,826 20.5 1920 387,219 14.2
1840 102,193 105.2 1930 458,762 18.5
1350 119,460 16.6 1940 494,537 7.8
1860 174,491 46.0 1950 570,445 14.7
1970 191,491 9.9 1960 627,525 10.0
1880 216,090 12.9 1970 593,471 -5.4
1890 242,039 12.0 1980 557,761 -6.1

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

The 1970 census indicated that New Orleans was beginning to feel
the effects of a trend that had started a decade earlier in other
metropolitan areas. Population losses had been occurring in many
central cities since 1950. Generally, cities had lost white middle
class residents to new suburban developments surrounding the cen-
tral city. This phenomenon had not occurred in New Orleans largely
due to physical constraints to expansion, such as the Mississippi
River to the south, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, and the lack
of easily developed land in neighboring Jefferson Parish. By 1950,
when other cities were beginning to lose population, large areas of
newly drained marsh in the lakefront area and east of the Industri-
al Canal were beginning to be developed, providing room within the
Parish for residential expansion. During the 1960's, however, con-
struction of the Mississippi River bridge, Veterans Memorial High-
way and the Interstate highway system increased access to Jefferson
and St. Tammany Parishes.

The capacity for movement outside of Orleans Parish is reflected in
the 1970 and 1980 censuses' loss of population. These decreases
are assumed to be primarily the result of out-migration. In Jef-
ferson Parish, for example, population increased by over 128,799
persons between 1960-1970, largely due to in-migration, and by
114,709 between 1970 and 1980, again primarily due to in-migration.
This trend also holds true for St. Bernard and St. Tammany Parish-
es, for while these adjoining parishes are experiencing rapid
growth, the rate of increase for the SMSA (Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Area) is much more modest as seen in Table 5, "New Or-
leans SMSA Census Population, 1970-1980."

Table 5

New Orleans SMSA Census Population
1970-1980-

Parish 1970 Population 1980 Population* Change

Orleans 593,471 5571761 -6.0%
Jefferson 337,568 452 277 34.0%
St. Bernard 51,185 63:701) 24.5%
St. Tammany 63,585 109f868 72.8%

N.O. SMSA 1,045,809 1,183,606 13.2%

*Preliminary Census figures. March 1981.

These figures indicate that not only is Orleans Parish experiencing
out-migration of its residents, but the adjacent parishes seem to
be the preferred location for new arrivals to the SMSA.

Table 6, "Orleans Parish Population By Management Unit," indicates
the population breakdown of New Orleans by management unit., as
counted by the U.S. Census in 1970 and estimated by the City Plan-
ning Commission in 1975. Unfortunately, 1970 block statistics were
not compiled for the rural, undeveloped portions of the Parish in a
way that would lend themselves to conversion to management units.
Population estimates for Management Units 14, 15 and 16 were per-
formed by the City Planning Commission for the 1975 Land Use Plan.

Table 6
Orleans Population
By Management Unit and Planning District
Planning Management
District Unit 1970 Census 1975 estimate (CPC)* % Change-

1 22,792 29,000 +27.2%
2 68,025 66,978 - 1.5%
3 51,783 50,597 - 2.3%
4 1 79,961 76,057 - 4.9%
5 60,494 60,788 + 0.5%
6 64,822 64,261 - 0.90,
7 86,299 79 684 - 7.6%/0
8 25,962 23:539 - 9.3%
9 32,907 31,154 - 5.3%
10 11 52,323 63,463 +21.3%
11 111 409 409 0
12 IV 37,125 52,797 +42.2%
13 V 0 0 0
14 VI N/A** 5, 7-'--, 5 -
15 VII N/A 392
16 VIII N/A 21.0

*City Planning Commission
**N/A-Not Available

From the preceding table, it is plain to see that the older, devel-
oped parts of the City are generally losing population, while only
Management Units II (Algiers/Aurora) and III (East Gentilly) made
substantial gains.

It must be noted that the City of New Orleans has challenged the
U.S. Census Bureau's figures for both the 1970 and 1980 counts.
Like many large cities, New Orleans maintains that various segments
of the population were undercounted (i.e., Hispanic Americans and
lower income non-whites) due to the nature of the inquiries. The
1970 census may have been undercounted by as much as 50,000 per-
sons.

Population Projections

Population projects are continually subject to dispute because of
methodology, starting figures, and interpretation, particularly
those figures based solely on census data. Several groups of re-
searchers have devised population projections for Louisiana with
varying degrees of reliability. The majority of the projections
indicate a further decline in the population of Orleans Parish with
continuous growth in the surrounding metropolitan area parishes.
Projected figures for the year 2000 range from a low of 523,026 (a)
to a high of 735,000 (b).

(a) Harris S. Segal et al, Projections to the Year 2000 of
Louisiana Population and Households (Division of Business and
Economic Research, College of Business Administration, Univer-
sity of New Orleans, 1976).

(b) Regional Planning Commission. Transportation Planning
Variables Forecast; Socio-Economic Projections for the Year
"9000. 1973

Several researchers have disputed the low-range figures, particu-
larly those put forward by Mr. Segal. Contentions center on low
fertility rates and a constant out migration rate for Orleans Par-
ish. Dr. Mumphrey, in Coastal Zone Management in the Metropolitan
New Orleans Region, 1976, points out that Segal's study does not
take into account the amount of available land for residential ex-
pansion in each parish. The Regional Planning Commission, however,
points out that Orleans Parish has the available land to absorb
residential growth, particularly in Management Units 10, 11, 12,
and 14, and the RPC expects Orleans' population to increase at an
increasing rate once Jefferson Parish growth begins to slow due to
a lack of major developable tracts of "close-in" land.

Mumphrey also points out that Segal's projections fail to check
projected population against expected employment. Orleans Parish's
efforts to develop the Almonaster-Michoud Industrial District could
significantly increase Orleans Parish's employment base, further
enhancing residential growth within the Parish, again particularly
in New Orleans East.

In any case, population projections are fraught with uncertainty
and are subject to unpredictable outside influences, such as oil
embargoes and economic fluctuations. For purposes of this reort a
range of population projections will be presented, showing the ex-
pected future population of the New Orleans Standard Metropolitan
Statistica Area (SMSA). While the range of projections for the
SMSA is not great, the range between individual parishes is signi-
ficant. These projections are shown in Table 7.

Table 7

New Orleans SMSA
Population Projections

Year 1995 Year 2000 Year 2000
Parish NOMATS* RPC Segal

Orleans 750,000 735,000 523,030
Jefferson 570,000 650,000 702,730
St. Bernard 68,000 90,000 98,270
St. Tammany 111,000 150,868 132,920

TOTAL 1,499,000 1,625,000 1,456,950

*New Orleans Metropolitan Area Study - 1995.

Implications for Planning

The differentiation between current and future population is not
the key issue in planning. Changes in growth are continually oc-
curring within the parish; therefore, it is of greater importance
to recognize and anticipate these internal shifts so that services
will be appropriately planned. The key issue in judgement is to be
able to recognize at what time and at what stage population within
a certain area will bottom out. The most important factor in de-
termining these trends is an area's potential for development
(i.e., holding capacity, density level).

This issue is of particular importance in recognizing population
impacts on the coastal zone of Orleans Parish. If the land use
plans in the New Orleans East and Algiers Lower Coast areas were to
be fully implemented, 192,500 persons could be anticipated. These
192,500 people would be a combination of persons moving within the
parish as well as persons new to the metropolitan area. These in-
creases in population would require expanded services - housing,
utilities, roads, schools, hospital, police and drinking'water.
These demands will certainly have a direct and indirect affect on
Orleans' coastal zone due to the proximity of 'these anticipated
developments. It is also important to recognize that these shifts
in population may have a negative impact on the urban core. The
availability of land provided by the coastal zone and the implica-
tions resulting must be recognized in order to adequately plan for
Orleans Parish.

Socio-Economic Profile(13)

In his 1976 work, The New Orleans Economy: Pro Bono Publico?
Dr. James Bobo explored many of the myths that had been hiding the
true face of the New Orleans economy for many years. The local
economy, he explained, has experienced economic stagnation tenden-
cies since 1966. Economic development did not provide adequate em-
ployment opportunities for an expanding labor force, which has
grown faster than employment every year since 1966, with the excep-
tion of three years.

Unemployment has increased both absolutely and as a percentage of
the labor force.

In 1978 in an address to the subcommittee on Economic Growth and
Stabilization of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, Mayor
Morial picked up Dr. Bobo's theme, citing three main conditions of
the City's economy: unemployment, subemployment and low labor-
force participation rates (New Orleans' Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy, 1979). He said that the unemployment rate in
New Orlenas has probably ranged from 11-17% in the aggregate, and
as much as 40% in some social sectors, particularly black teenage
males. The causes of this unemployment were described as poverty
and poor people, low educational preparation, lack of training for
the labor force, and a low labor force participation rate.

The Mayor stated that "subemployment presents an even more dismal
picture. Subemployment describes those persons who work full time
but cannot earn enough to rise above the poverty line. Nearly 13%
of New Orleans heads of families worked between 50 and 52 weeks per
year, but were still below poverty levels." Subemployment includes
part time workers who want, but cannot find, full time employment
(but yet are counted as employed) and, also, those who have given
up and no longer even look for work.

Concerning the low labor force participation rate, Mayor Morial
noted that "the nonworker/worker ratio in New Orleans is exceeded
in only one major SMSA of the 246 SMSA's in the 1970 U.S. census.
In New Orleans, the nonworker/worker ratio is lower for men, lower
for white men, lower for black men, lower for women, lower for
white women, lower for black women, lower for all age groups by
age, race and sex. In fact, it is lower for every relevant dimen-
sion of the labor force." The Mayor went on to cite the causes of
this poor showing as economic discrimination against women and
minorities, a high percentage of unemployables (exacerbated by
increasing technology), more disadvantaged people (poverty), inad-
equate employment opportunities due to economic stagnation and an
unequal pattern of income distribution.

The Mayor decried New Orleans' disproportionate percentage of poor
people, caused by this economic stagnation and subemployment. He
described the virtual absence of a middle class, which denies the
local economy of the dynamism, entrepreneurship and social and
economic leadership so desperately needed. He said, "according to
CD

1970 census information, over 16% of all families, and 20% of all
persons, were below the poverty level for the New Orleans SM.SA. In
Orleans Parish 26.876 of all persons were below the poverty level.
Using the Labor Department's Low Income Budget for 1970 as the
threshold of poorness, about half of all people in the NOSMSA were
poor, and in Orleans Parish about 56% in 1970."

The Mayor said that "New Orleans is also plaqued by a highly un-
equal income distribution," as could be expected without the exist-
ence of a substantial middle class. "The lowest one-fifth of the
population receive only 47o of all income, while the highest one-
fifth receives 44%. Income is more unevenly distributed in Orleans
Parish than in any major city in the United States." Table 8, "New
Orleans Socio-Economic Profile (Summary)," displays city-wide so-
cial and economic characteristics.

The problems of the New Orleans economy are numerous and complex.
Mayor Morial contemplated that it was as if there were two econo-
mies at work in the City, one which is fairly healthy and which
responds to national trends in a predictable way, but another,
"sub-economy," that is deep-rooted and difficult to reach with the
conventional remedies.

As the goals of his administration, published in the New Orleans
Economic Development Strategy, 1979, the following policy state-
ments were highlighted:

1. Expanding or preserving private sector job opportunities
in the CBD, and in the City's older ccmmercial shopping
areas, in the Almonaster-Eastern N.O. Industrial Corridor,
and in the Inner City's older industrial districts.

2. Reducing poverty, unemployment, subemployment, despair and
social distress in the City's disadvantaged neighborhoods.

3. The renovation of the City's older residential neighbor-
hoods and the revitalization of their commercial shopping
centers.

4. The revitalization of the City's mature industrial
districts.

5. The upgrading of the City's resident work force through
the establishment of innovative and "targeted" private
sector skills training programs.

6. The support of tourism and convention activity in the
City, particularly in the CBD.

7. Expanding foreign trade and port oper@Ltions.

8. The establishment of equitable revenue generating policies
for providing the new capital infrastructure and municipal
services needed to maintain expanding levels of employment
in the City.

TABLE 8

NEW ORLEANS SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE (SUMMARY)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
CITYWIDE CHARACTERISTICS

CITYWIDE STATISTIC OR
DATA ELEMENT PERCENTAGE OF CITY

DEMOGRAPHY

POPULATION (1976 Polk) 526,863

Persons Under 18 (1976 Polk) 34.23%
9" Year Change (1974-1976 Polk) (%) -2.45%
Retired Persons (1976 Polk) 8.02%
2 Year Change (1974-1970 Polk) (%) 21.54%
Racial Composition
White (1970 Census) 54.50%
Black (1970 Census) 45.00%
Other (1970 Census) .50%

SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS (1976 Polk) 192,371

Female Heads of Households with Children
(1976 Polk) 11.71%
Incidence of Index Crimes (NOPD 1977) 40,014

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Households below $10,000 (1977 Citizen Survey) 41.38%
Low and Moderate Income Families (1970 Census) 46.97%
Labor Force Participation (1977 Citizen Survey) 65.58%
Unemployment (1977 Citizen Survey) 9.94%
Jobless Heads of Households (1976 Polk) 21.84%
Firms in Area (EBE File) 11,437

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Units (1976 Polk) 203,0860
Residential Structures (1978 Physical Survey) 114,018
Structures Below City Average (1973 Physical
Survey) 22.216%
Abandoned Houses (Safety & Permits 1973) 1,329
Owner Occupied Units (Polk 1976) 37.83%
Blocks in Area (1978 Physical Survey) 17,727
Street Blocks Below City Average
condition (1978) 20.3876
Temporarily Paved Blocks (1978 Physical Survey) 17.41%
Blocks Without Drains (1978 Physical Survey) 14.71%

Source: Office of Policy Planning, 1978.

Implications for Planning

It is clear from the foregoing that the administration's priorities
lie in the creation of greater work opportunities, particularly in
the producing section, for the City's resident work force, and in
the upgrading of the skills of this work force to take advantage of
these increasing opportunities. This policy will have an impact on
coastal zone planning, especially since an expanding economy will
increase the demands for land, and expansion of port facilities
must take place, at least somewhat, in the coastal zone; however,
it is anticipated that the vast majority of expansion will occur
within the current levee system.

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS5(14)

Transportation Services and Operations

Port operations and transportation services represent the largest
single source of jobs in New Orleans. Employment in transportation
related activities is almost 11 percent of total employment in Or-
leans compared to less than 6 percent of total employment for the
nation. However, employment in transportation has been stagnant in
recent years. Between 1971 and 1976, for example, while net
national increase of jobs in the transportation sector of 96,000
occurred, New Orleans experienced a net loss of forty-seven trans-
portation jobs. Thus, the nation's transportation employment grew
at a rate of 1.29 percent, but New Orleans declined at a rate of
.18 percent during the period from 1971-1976.

The primary reason for New Orleans' heavy emphasis on transporta-
tion-related employment is the Port of New Orleans, one of the
largest ports in the world. It is estimated that Port-related
activities account for between 30,000 and 35,000 jobs in the New
Orleans SMSA, or roughly between 7 percent and 8 percent of total
employment. However, the relative importance that the
transportation sector plays in the New Orleans Parish economic
system has been declining for a number of years. While the Port
continues to be the single most important element of the New
Orleans economic base, it is becoming a less significant new
employment generator because of labor-saving technology and the
relative decline in activity compared to other ports on the Gulf
Coast. In 1978, for example, cargo volume of the Port of New
Orleans fell by 24 percent, resulting in an estimated $50 million
drop in the City's economy compared to 1977; bulk cargo in 1978,
for example, decreased by 5.45 million tons from 1977.

In a 1978 University of New Orleans study, Performance of the Port
of New Orleans, 1965-1976, authors John Reinecke and Vincent Maru-
gii conclude that the Port has been losing ground over the last
decade:

"The kind of picture obtained depends on whether one focuses
upon the absolute volume or the volume relative to that of the
neighboring Gulf Coast ports and the rest of the United
States. New Orleans' dollar volume is growth. Without cor-
rection for inflation, the last decade is seen as one of mod-
erate growth. Compared to all U.S. sea trade, New Orleans has
made slight gains in tonnage and has experienced a slight loss
of share in dollar terms. By both criteria, our port has lost
relative position as compared to its Gulf Coast competitors--
especially to Baton Rouge, Galveston, and Port Arthur, but
also to Houston, Destrehan, and Gramercy."

Tourism

Perhaps the brightest spot in the economy of Orleans Parish is the
'A consistent expansion of service sector employment, particularly in
tourism, travel and related jobs. Although the service sector,

overall, currently generates more than 25 percent of total New Or-
leans employment, hard data on tourism based employment is sketchy.
One inferential measure of the tourist industry's impact on the
city's employment can be estimated by reference to the statistics
published by the U.S. Travel Data Center (T.D.C.).

For 1976, the T.D.C. estimated that approximately 40,000 jobs in
Orleans Parish were travel and tourism related, a statistic which
represents approximately 19 percent of the city's total employed
civilian labor force. In light of the continued expansion of ho-
tel, tourism, sports and convention related activities, this figure
currently may be low, and it is a fair guess that travel and tour-
ism generate 20% or more of today's New Orleans' employment.

The 1976 T.D.C. report cited also estimated that the average annual
salary for tourism related employment in New Orleans was only
$5,743. This figure comprises an overall 1976 average service sec-
tor salary of $7,563, a figure roughly 40 percent higher than tour-
ism taken alone.

Central Business District

The heart of New Orleans Region's economic and cultural activity is
the Central Business District. The combined impact of the City's
recent hotel and tourism growth and a boom in new office construc-
tion has made the New Orleans CBD one of the most vibrant in the
United States. Since 1970, over 3.5 million square feet of prime
office space, over 7,000 new first-class hotel rooms have been
built in the CBD, with an additional 1,000,000 square feet of of-
fice space and another 1,200 hotel rooms currently in construction,
with at least an equivalent amount of office and hotel development
current in advanced planning.
Despite these encouraging CBD statistics, and with all due credit
to the major employment increases associated with the growth of CBD
hotels and tourism and office buildings, employment gains stemming
from these developments have served to only prEIvent New Orleans'
total employment from declining, as a result of industrial job
losses. To the extent that new hotel jobs merE!ly replace rather
than complement new industrial jobs, total income to city residents
is reduced and subemployment is increased. Further qualifications
about the benefits of new office space development stem from the
fact that little direct resident minority job impact is generated,
and from the fact that many of the new technical and managerial
level jobs opened up in new offices will probably go to suburban
commuters, rather than Orleans Parish residents.

This does not mean that the City has not or will not continue to
fully and vigorously support CBD growth, because this not the case.
It does mean, however, that while the City of New Orleans does
recognize and support the future employment and fiscal importance
of CBD growth, it also realizes that such developments alone will
not and cannot make a significant contribution towards reducing or
eliminating the City's poverty, unemployment, and subemployment
problems, unless and until the stagnation in other than personal

service sector employment is ended, and unless and until the de-
cline in manufacturing employment is halted and hopefully reversed.
Until such time, Central Business District tourism and office de-
velopment will remain the City's only real hope for employment and
f iscal improvement.

Implications for Planning

Current economic conditions indicate that the emphasis of this gov-
ernment administration, and future administrations, will be placed
on the creation of new industrial jobs. Target areas for industri-
al growth will primarily be in the Almonaster-Michoud Industrial
District in Management Units IV and VI, and later in Viavant, Man-
agement Unit V. Also, industries requiring access to and utiliza-
tion of coastal waters, light shipbuilding, for example, will be
encouraged to locate within the Parish. Adequate land areas for
these activities should be identified and set aside.

One of the primary goals for improving the tourist industry is to
expand family-oriented recreational opportunities. Some steps have
already been taken; such as the new exhibition hall and the new
ZOO* One such opportunity exists in water-oriented recreational
facilities, such as beaches, boat launches and marinas. Adequate
space for such improvements should be allocated.

LAND USE

Existing Land Use

Land use in the City of New Orleans ranges in configuration from
the very modern - contemporary suburban tract developments of homo-
geneous housing types with separate commercial centers - to the
very old, with its intricate mixtures of residential, commercial,
industrial and other uses.

Land use complexity or intricacy is usually related to the age of
development in a given area. In Management Unit I, those areas
west of the Industrial Canal and south of City Park - Planning Dis-
tricts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 - contain the oldest housing, indus-
trial and commercial uses. The traditional housing in these areas
tends to be medium, density single family or two family structures
on small lots. Commercial areas - outside the Central Business
District - tend to be linear developments along major thorough-
fares. Industrial uses are usually located adjacent to highways,
railways or the Mississippi River, with the Port of New Orleans
constituting by far the largest industrial use.

The northern section of the City, between Jefferson Parish and the
Industrial Canal, includes planning districts 1 and 2 and exhibits
more recent development, reflecting contemporary architectural
styles and a larger percent of single family housing, aproximately
75% of all residential land use compared to 45% in the older sec-
tions. Commercial areas are more automobile oriented than in the
older sections of town, with off-street parking generally provided.
There is virtually no industry located in this part of town, except
at the eastern edge near the Industrial Canal; however, the area
devoted to parks and green space far outdistances any other area.
City Park accounts for most park acreage, but Audubon Park, Lake-
shore Park and Pontchartrain Park are other major recreational
amenities.

New Orleans' most recent land development is found east of-the In-
dustrial Canal, in Management Unit IV, and on the West Bank of the
Mississippi River in Management Unit II. Land uses are character-
ized by homogeneous subdivision patterns of single family and mul-
tiple family units. Regional, community and neighborhood shopping
areas are located at major intersections, distinctly separated from
residential sections.

Table 9 indicates the acreages associated with various land uses in
the developed portion of Orleans Parish.

TABLE 9

1975 LAND USE

Land Use Percentage of
Category Acrea e Developed Acres

Residential 13,654.1 37.3%
Industrial 4,740.0 12.9%
Commercial 1,940.1 5.3%
Public & Semi-Public Parks 4,904.4 13.4%
Streets 1 11,382.3 31.1%
TOTAL DEVELOPED ACRES 1 36,620.9 100.0%

In addition to the 36,620.9 acres of developed land, Orleans Parish
contains substantial water and vacant acreages. The water category
includes lakes, lagoons and bayous internal to 'the levee system
(8,360 acres) as well as the vast acreages associated with Lake
Pontchartrain and Lake St. Catherine (107,020 acres). The vacant
category includes undeveloped lands and wetlands both inside and
outside the levee system. Table 10, "Total Acreage of Orleans
Parish - 1975," indicates the amount of land in urban uses, in an
undeveloped state, and in water bodies.

TABLE 10

TOTAL ACREAGE OF ORLEANS PARISH - 1975

Percentage of
Category Acres Parish Area

Developed 36,620.9 15.7%
Vacant 80,640.7 34.7%
Water Bodies 115,380.4 49.6%

232,642.0 100.0%

Figure 19, "Generalized Existing Land Use," shows the general land
use patterns of Orleans Parish. Table 11, "Existing Land Use by
Management Unit," displays existing land use in each management
unit.

TABLE 11
EXISTING LAND USE BY MANAGEMERr UNIT-1975

Public/
Semi-
magement Resi- Public/ Total
unit Planning District dential Industrial Commrcial Parks Vacant Water Streets Acreage
# 1 Lakeview 1,212.4 14M 33.4 1,859.E 323.1r 88-E 674.7 4,335-E
# 2 Gentilly 1),041.6 400.C 253.4 900-( 59M 140.1r 1,522.1 5,951-ce
3 Broa(knoor/11olly-
grove 842.8 145-C 179.": 168.@ 219.( 0 738. 2,314.1
4 Mid-City 1,183.7 206.C 284.2' 164-E 457.C 27.1 1,159-C 3,481.E
1 5 St. Claude/Desire 1,043.1 425-Ir 113.rz 200.@ 584.E 398.3 766-E 3,532.z-
6 Carrollton/
University 1,367.0 205.1 12V7. 597..' 297-"@ 585.C 840.2 4,019.":
7 Central City/
Garden District 943.7 211.1 152. 84.( 297.E 398.E 819.7 2,907.E
8 CBD 255.5 204.2 252. 52.1 285-( 193.( 573.2 1,816-C
9 Lower Ninth Ward/
Holy Cross 616.8 46.d 28.1 _922'r 326.e' 182.1 422-2. 1,714.@
11 #10 Algiers/Aurora 1,795.1 132.1 1422.5 514.7 2,614.@ 1,00g.'r 1,249-A 7,459-A
111 #11 lower Coast 6.5 9.1, 0 4.1 4,366.'r 1,064.'Z- 56.1, 5,5074
IV #12 East Gentilly 1,965.2 738.1 32.).,r 252.E 7,623.7 560." 1,555-E 13,0184
V #13 Viavant 0 27-C 1..-: 0.7 2,769.1 369.1' 15. ',@ 3,182.-d
VI #14 N.O. East 73.0 1,725-C 32.7 0 20,115.1 335.( 687.": 22,958,@
#15 N.O. East
P
Vil Special 40.0 60.( ME 4.4 15,386.1- 1,148.1 149-d 16,795.4
#16 Chef Menteur/
Vill Higolets ')67.7 70-C 10.117 8 24 380.( 1,859.11 131.3 26,727.(
SUBTOTAL 4,740.c. 1,940.N 4 , 9 0 4 - 1 02,' _44 0 - Id. 8,360.@ 11,382.3 125,622.-(f'
(INCUMING LAKES 232,642
PONTCHARTRAIN &
ST. CATHERINE)

16
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PREDOMINAN
OUSI"ES

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...... Source: Now Orlaso
Present a
GENERALIZED EXISTING LAND USE

Levees and Drainage

It is important to understand two major aspects of land use in Or-
leans Parish, the levee and drainage systems. Located in the delta
area of the coastal plain, there is very little topographic relief
providing areas of higher elevation for development. These devel-
opable areas are restricted to natural levee ridges of the Mississ-
ippi River or abandoned distributaries and were the first parts of
Orleans Parish to be urbanized. In order to develop low-lying
swamps and marshes between the ridges it was necessary to construct
levees, canals and pumps to drain the land and prevent future
flooding. It is the extensive system of drainage canals and pump-
ing stations that prevents the City of New Orleans from being
flooded during even moderate rainfalls. Figure 20, "City of New
Orleans' Primary Drainage System," shows the location of major
pumping stations and canals.

It is the levee system, moreover, that has allowed the City to grow
and remain a viable place to live. The levee system, for practical
purposes, defines the limits of urban development or development
potential in the Parish.

When one speaks of the "levee system," he is actually referring to
two systems: one to protect the City from flooding by the Mississ-
ippi River, one to protect against tidal flooding from Lake Pont-
chartrain and the estuary. As New Orleans grew, it began to expand
north away from the natural levees and into the backswamps that
were always under water. To anyone who lived there, high tides
from the lake as well as floodwaters from the River were a constant
threat. With the perfection of mechanical pumps in the late
1900's, these problems were solved. It was now possible to build a
levee and artifically drain an area and keep the water out by chan-
neling it into leveed sea-level canals for transport to the Lake.
With this technological advance, wetlands were systematically sec-
tioned off and drained, first to the north to Lake Pontchartrain,
then to the west in Jefferson Parish, and, most recently, to the
east in New Orleans East.

Figure 21, "Existing Levee System," shows the current configuration
of levees in Orleans Parish.

For purposes of the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program, two types
of levees were identified in the FEIS:

Hurricane or Flood Protection Levees - those levees and associated
water control structures whose primary purpose is to prevent occa-
sional surges of flood or storm generated high water. Such levee
systems do not include those built to permit drainage or develop-
ment of enclosed wetland areas.

Development Levees - those levees and associated water control
structures whose purpose is to allow control of water levels within
the area enclosed by the levees to facilitate drainage or develop-
ment within the leveed areas. Such levee systems also commonly

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ORLEANS PARISH DRAINAG

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NEW ORLEANS EAsr LEVEE
LAxEirffoNr LEVEE
Coat 91 C.T.C.,

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16
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LAKEPRONT LEVEE
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NEW ORLEANS
LAKEFRoNr LEVEE 10
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6 CONTROL STRU 7 R

EXISTING LEVEE SYSTEM
with authorized project elevations

serve for hurricane or flood protection, but are not so defined f or
purposes of coastal zone management.

According to these criteria, nearly all management units in Orleans
Parish are contained within development levees, the exceptions be-
ing Management Units V, VII and VIII. ManageME.@nt Unit V, Viavant,
is within a hurricane protection levee system (the Chalmette Le-
vee), while units VII and VIII are completely external to any levee
systems.

Estimated Demand for Land

In 1975 the Regional Planning Commission estimated the amount of
land Orleans Parish would need to develop to accommodate expected
expansion of her economic and population sectors during the ten
year period, 1975-85. At that time the projected land need was in
slight excess of 7,700 acres, with most of this development occurr-
ing east of the Industrial Canal. Residential expansion was anti-
cipated to require 3,519 acres during the first five years and an
additional 2,669 during the next five years of the study period.
Commercial and service activities were expected to expand by 1,307
acres by 1985. The study described industrial growth as having
stabilized, requiring no land needs through 1985.

As projected in the study, and borne out during the last five
years, most of this growth has occurred in Eastern New Orleans.
The two major road arteries, I-10 and Highway 90 have been the main
corridors around which this growth has focused. Prior to 1980,
most of this growth occurred between Downman Road and Read Boule-
vard. After 1980 the expansion will continuously move to the east.
Land Use Planning(15)
Land Use Planning in Orleans Parish is the responsibility of the
City Planning Commission. The Commission accomplishes the develop-
ment and implementation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan by judi-
ciously applying the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision
Regulations in accordance with the Plan.

The first comprehensive land use plan since 1954 was adopted by the
Planning Commission on December 3, 1980. The future land use plan
for Orleans Parish is generally based on the Managed Growth Plan
originally developed by the City a a sketch plan for the Metropoli-
tan Transportation Plan. As a part of that effort two other sketch
plans were also produced, one depicting a Continued Growth Policy
and the other a Contained Growth Plan. For further information on
this sketch planning process, see the Planning Commission Report -
Land Use Plan Development."

The Managed Growth Plan provides for a balance between revitalizing
older sections of the City, allowing new growth in developing sec-
tions of the City, and permitting limited development in environ-
mentally sensitive areas. The plan emphasizes the following policy
considerations:

1. Emphasis on the CBD in terms of work, leisure and living
areas with the goal of keeping the CBD as a Regional Cen-
ter and a 24 hour a day area.

2. Emphasis on transit facilities and services and reduced
emphasis on the automobile as the primary transportation
mode.,

3. Expansion of industrial land opportunities to provide land
both within the developed section of the City and in de-
veloping sections for new employment opportunities.

4. Recognition of environmentally sensitive areas to provide
for limited development and appropriate regulation.

5. Provide for physical expansion of the City with urban de-
velopment generally occurring within the hurricane levee
protection system. This should provide land for continued.
growth and help relieve density pressures in older areas
while providing for a variety of housing options to be
available to all socio-economic levels.

6. Emphasis on conservation of existing neighborhoods gener-
ally at their current densities. Also provides for se-
lected redevelopment in particular locations where exist-
ing conditions so warrant.

The future land use plan, if ultimately achieved, will see an in-
crease in the amount of land devoted to urban development. Even at
that point, however, approximately 67% of the area of Orleans Par-
ish will be water areas or areas devoted to limited development.

Table 12, "Orleans Parish Future Land Use" indicates acreages to be
in urban uses should the Parish be fully developed. The distinc-
tion between the "Developed" and the "Limited Development" catego-
ries is that the latter are marshland acres outside the hurricane
and flood protection levees which will be subjE!Ct to coastal zone
management requirements.

Table 12

Orleans Parish Future Land Use

Percentage
of Entire
Percentage Parish
of Parish including
Category Acres Land Area Lakes

Developed (Urban) 76,444 61% 33%
Limited Development 40,273 397o 17%
Water Bodies (Leveed) 8,885 0% 4%
Water Bodies (Unleveeded 107,022 0% 46%

TOTAL 232,624 100% 100%

It is projected that when completely built out the parish would
probably contain between 675,000 and 800,000 people. This range,
of course, anticipates the enormous amount of flexibility in any
estimate. Should local, national or even international conditions
drastically change, the population of the parish could vary signi-
ficantly.

Figure 22, "Generalized Proposed Land Use," shows the City Planning
Commission's adopted Land Use Plan.

Land Use Controls

There are two City agencies which play key roles in controlling
land use in Orleans Parish. The City Planning Commission is re-
sponsible for developing an overall plan and applying zoning and
subdivision regulations in accordance with that plan. The Depart-
ment of Safety and Permits is more involved with the enforcement of
the zoning and building standards established by law. These two
agencies are described in more detail in the chapter on the Local
Program.

There are two key City Ordinances that are enforced by the Depart-
ment of Safety and Permits. These are the Building Code and the
Floodplain Ordinance. Both have great significance regarding
Coastal Zone Management, and are described in the following pages.
In the back of this document is a handout, The Developer's Guide-
book, which details the process of obtaining permits for construc-
tion activites in Orleans Parish.

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GENERALIZED -PROPOSED LAND USE

60
Orleans Parish Building Code(16)

The Building Code requires that a person first obtain a permit from
the Department of Safety and Permits before commencing with the
erection, removal, re-roofing, demolition, all alterations, all ad-
ditions, repairs ... of a building or other structure ... or to perform
any excavations below lot grade within the City of New Orleans
(See. 201, Building Code). This law is interpreted to include the
wetlands and waters outside the levee system (City Attorney's Of-
fice, opinion, Nov. 1979).

Part X, Chapter 28 of the Orleans code was published in its newly
revised form in July, 1975. This code, on excavations, footings
and foundations, has been strengthened in the areas which apply
specifically to coastal development, namely specifications for pile
foundations. Due to the unstable conditions of the highly organic
soils of former wetlands, it is the "skin friction" between piles
and soil particles, rather than transfer of loads to a stable sub-
soil strata, which supports structures.

The following items are covered under the foundation code and re-
late to construction in the coastal zone:

Subsoil investigation
Excavations
Spread foundations
Pile foundations
Design
Pile load
Splices
Timber piles
Treated
Untreated
Wood-concrete composite,
Concrete piles
Precast
Cast-in-place
Steel piles
Combination piles
Lightly loaded piles
Wind pressure and combined loads
(New Orleans City Council, 1975 rev.: Chapter 28).

The last two items ar-e of particular concern for development in
both fast and non-fast lands. Special allowances are made for pile
support of light structures such as houses, camps, etc. Required
pile penetration is reduced from 50 to 30 feet and soil borings are
not required. Also specific attention is given to the danger of
wind pressure from hurricane force storms on pile supports. Bear-
ing values required for piles are increased by one-third when sub-
jected to wind and other loads and the combined load cannot exceed
the safe allowable capacity of the soil or pile (New Orleans City
Council, 1975 rev.: Chapter 28, 8-9).

The Orleans Parish foundation code, under Article 2805--"Notifica-
tion to City," also requires a minimum of 24 hours notice to the

Director of the Department of Safety and Permits in advance of any
pile driving. This allows for even greater control through super-
vision of the quality of construction materials and methods used in
structural foundation support.

While it might not be considered a model code, the Orleans Parish
building code is more strict in most aspects of construction on
former wetlands than the Southern Standard code. Currently it is
the most comprehensive available building code among those in ef-
fect in coastal Louisiana.
Floodplain Ordinance (17)

The second ordinance that has profound implications for all of
Orleans Parish, particularly those areas outside the levee system,
is the Floodplain Ordinance, Chapter 32 of the City Code. This
Ordinance was originally adopted by the City Council in 1974 and
was amended in 1978. This legislation was a response to two ac-
tions by the U.S. Congress, the National Flood Insurance Act of
1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1.973.

In 1973 Congress declared that, as a matter of national policy, all
lending institutions with federally insured savings or deposits
would require flood insurance on all new mortgages in high risk
areas as they now generally require fire insurance. This require-
ment became mandatory for identified special flood hazard areas
within communities under Section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protec-
tion Act of 1973.

The Federal Insurance Administration adopted the so-called "100-
year flood" as the standard for the identification of special flood
hazard areas and as the base flood elevation for the adoption of
local land use controls. The term "100-year flood" is actually
what the Corps of Engineers refers to as an "intermediate" flood
and is a compromise between minor floods and the Corps' "standard
project flood," which is the greatest flood thought likely to occur
in a given area. In many cases, the 100-year or intermediate flood
is already far below the flood of record. The '1100-year flood" is
simply the flood level that is estimated to have a 1-percent chance
of occurring each year in a given location.

Regulation of practices within the Program is set up on an acceler-
ating scale based on the amount of flood data currently available
for an area. When only general information about the flood-prone
nature of an area is available, then restrictions on development
practices are broadly defined. As more detailed hydrologic and
other technical data is gathered for a particular community by Fed-
eral or State agencies, consulting services, or the Administrator
of the Flood Insurance Program, then standards for practices become
more specific. Once flood insurance regulations are adopted, any
new development in a special flood hazard area that does not meet
the required construction specifications will not be covered by
subsidized flood insurance.

Stages of regulation include the following:

1. The floodplain areas of a community are identified as
flood-prone.

2. Special flood hazard areas within a community are
defined with publication of a Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM).

3. Water surface elevation data for the 100-year flood
within certain areas of special flood hazards is
provided.

4. Specific floodways are identified.

5. The coastal high hazard area is identified.

Definitions

1. "Flood plain" or "flood-prone area" means a-land area
adjoining a river, stream, watercourse, ocean, bay,
or lake, which,is likely to be flooded.

2. "Flood" or "flooding" means a general and temporary
condition of partial or complete inundation of nor-
mally dry land areas from the overflow of streams,
rivers, or other inland water; or abnormally high
tidal waters or rising coastal waters proximately
caused by severe storms, hurricanes, or tsunamis. it
also includes collapse or subsidence of land along
the shore of a lake or other body of water as a re-
sult of erosion or undermining caused by waves or
currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical
levels.

3. "Special flood hazard area" or "flood plain area
having special flood hazards" means that maximum area
of the flood plain that, on the average, is likely to
be flooded once every 100 years (i.e., that has a
1-percent chance of being flooded each year).

4. !'100-year flood" means the highest level of flooding
that, on the average, is likely to occur once every
100 years (i.e., that has a 1-percent chance of oc-
curring each year.)

5. "Floodway" means the channel of a river of other
watercourse and the adjacent land areas required to
carry and discharge a flood of a given magnitude.

6. "Coastal high hazard area" means the portion of a
coastal flood plain having special flood hazards that
is subject to high velocity waters, including hurri-
cane wave wash and tsunamis.

7. "Substantial improvement" (hereafter referred to as
"improvement") means any repair, reconstruction, or
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals
or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the
structure either, (a) before the improvement is
started, or (b) if the structure has been damaged and
is being restored, before the damage occurred. For
the purposes of this definition "substantial improve-
ment" is considered to occur when the first altera-
tion of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural
part of the building commences, whether or not that
alteration affects the external dimensions of the
structure. The term does not, however, include
either (1) any'alteration to comply with existing
state or local health, sanitary, building, or safety
codes or regulations;or (2) any alteration of a
structure listed on the National Register of Historic
Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.

Requirements

The requirements for meeting Flood Insurance Pro-gram standards are
listed for each of the regulatory stages.

1. Minimum restrictions on practices at the stage of
information gathering are as follows:

Subdivision proposals and other proposals for new
developments must be reviewed by local authorities to
assure that:

a. They are consistent with the need to minimize
flood damage.

b. All public utilities and facilities such as
sewer, gas, electrical, and wetter systems are
located and constructed to minimize or eliminate
flood damage.

C. Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure
to flood hazards.

2. Publication of a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for
a community identifying special flood hazard areas
increases the regulations as follows:

a. Any available 100-year flood elevation data must
be utilized in administering 'the standards for
all flood plain areas.

b. Building permits are required for all proposed
construction and substantial improvements in the
special flood hazard area.

C. At the time a building permit is issued, informa-
tion must be obtained concerning the elevation of
the lowest floor of the structure (including
basement) in relation to mean sea level. Where
the lowest floor is below grade on one or more
sides, the elevation of the floor immediately
above must be obtained. An official record of
this information must be maintained.

See Figure 23 for general flood insurance zone
designations.

3. Notice of a final flood elevation determination pro-
viding water surface elevations for the 100-year
flood within certain areas of special flood hazards
increases the regulations as follows:

a. Review by local authorities of building permit
applications for new construction and improve-
ments within the special flood hazard area is
required to assure that the proposed construction
is designed (or modified) and anchored to prevent
flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the
structure.

b. New or replacement water supply systems and sani-
tary sewage systems within the special flood haz-
ard area must be designed to minimize or elimi-
nate infiltration of flood waters into the sys-
tems and discharges from the system into flood
waters. On-site waste disposal systems must be
located to avoid impairment of them or contamina-
tion by them during or subsequent to flooding.

C. New residential structures and improvements with-
in the special flood hazard area for which base
(100-year) flood elevations have been provided
must have the lowest floor (including basement)
elevated to or above the level of the 100-year
flood, unless an exception for basements is
granted. (In Orleans' coastal wetlands, this
could be as high as +16 feet MSL.)

d. New non-residential structures and improvements
within the base flood elevation specified area
must be flood-proofed (together with attendant
utility and sanitary facilities) to or above the
100-year flood level if their lowest floor eleva-
tion is below that level.. Flood-proofing must be
in compliance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-
neers' standards.

.. .........

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13 AR
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3OURCE FEOERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENC
FLOCC R-E MA,-,

FLOOD INSURANCE ZONE DESIGNATIONS

C35

e. The adequacy of flood-proofing methods utilized
must be certified by a registered professional
engineer or architect to withstand the flood
depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift
forces and other factors associated with the
100-year flood. An official record of such cer-
tificates must be maintained.

f. In riverine situations, until a floodway has been
designated, no use, includin- land fill, may be
permitted within the identified base flood eleva-
tion area unless it is demonstrated that the ef-
fect of the proposed use in combination with all
other existing and anticipated uses will not in-
crease the 100-year flood water surface elevation
more than 1 foot anywhere within the community.

4. Provision of data identifying a floodway(s) increases
the regulations as follows (regulations apply only to
the designated floodway):

a. All fill, encroachments, new construction and im-
provements which would increase 100-year flood
heights within the community are prohibited.

b. Location of any portion of a- new mobile home
park, expansion of an existing facility and
placement of a mobile home other than in an
existing facility is prohibited.

5. Identification of a coastal high hazard area in-
creases the development regulations as follows
(regulations apply only to the coastal high hazard
area):

a. All new construction and improvements must be
located landward of the reach of the mean high
tide.

b. All new construction and improvements must be
elevated on adequately anchored piles or columns
to a lowest floor elevation (including basement)
at or above the 100-year flood level. Structures
must be securely anchored to such piles or
columns.

c. New construction and improvements must have the
space below the lowest floor free of obstructions
or be constructed with "breakaway walls" intended
to collapse under stress without jeopardizing the
structural support of the building. This is in-
tended to minimize the impact of abnormally high
tides or wind-driven water on the building. Such
temporarily enclosed space shall not be used for
human habitation.

d. The use of fill for structural support shall be
prohibited.

e. Location of any portion of a new mobile home
park, expansion of an existing facility, and
0 1
placement of a mobile home other than in an
existing facility is prohibited.

Implications for Planning

These two ordinances, the Building Code and the Floodplain Ordi-
nance, will play key roles in the Orleans Parish Coastal Management
Program. The Building Code triggers all of the City's control
mechanisms, while the Floodplain Ordinance sets very rigorous con-
ditions on construction, particularly in the Coastal Zone.

The Building Code requires that a permit be obtained before any
work commences that involves the construction of a structure or
excavation below lot grade. This in effect includes all activiites
that would require a coastal use permit, and even some uses that
are exempt (such as a camp) from, coastal permits. Once a building
permit is applied for, compliance with coastal zone procedures will
be required, where necessary.

The Floodplain Ordinance, by setting base elevations and first
floor requirements, mandates that all construction in Coastal High
Hazard Areas be done on pilings and elevated approximately 12 feet
aobve Mean Sea Level. This will have the effect of discouraging
many projects by making them too expensive. Projects that do get
built will have to maintain natural water flow beneath the struc-
ture.

Compliance with the construction requirements of the Building Code
and the Floodplain Ordinance would have the effect of meeting or
exceeding many of the standards set by the Louisiana Coastal Re-
sources Program.

RESOURCE PROBLEMS AND CONFLICTS

The resources of Orleans Parish, as they have been described in
preceeding sections, are both bountiful and diverse. The majestic
Mississippi River, the large lakes, the great expanses of marsh-
land, the buried deposits of shell, oil and gas, as well as the
historic and picturesque City of New Orleans, are all resources
that have shaped the growth and character of the region and its
people. Yet, while abundant renewable and non-renewable resources
have made New Orleans an attractive and dynamic place in which to
live, there are many problems associated with human occupation of
the coastal zone. Urbanization of the coastal zone stresses natu-
ral systems, and the natural systems, in turn, cause problems for
urban development.

Loss of Productive Wetlands

The greatest source of stress to the coastal environnent, as iden-
tified by Dr. Mumphrey in 1975, is the loss of productive wetlands.
The Soil Conservation Service estimates.that Orleans Parish con-
tains only twenty-four square miles of "dry land," that is, natural
levee ridges. By 1970, over sixty-three square miles of wetlands,
including backswamp and marsh, had been converted to urban uses
through reclamation. An additional forty-five square miles have
been leveed since 1957, but not all of this area has been drained
as yet.

Dr. Mumphrey declares reclamation to be a "direct destroyer of es-
tuarine land. When land is drained and/or filled, it is lost to
the system. Repercussions are felt in other parts of the estuary
in many ways, such as pollution, decreasing fish populations, re-
duced plant growth, etc." The following is a list of cause-effect
relationships that can be attributed to reclamation of wetlands in
Louisiana:

1. Irreversible loss of land to the estuary.

a. Loss of habitat for birds, fish and reptiles.

b. Loss of nursery area for birds and fish.

C. Loss of detritus to the estuary.

d. Loss of nutrient input to the estuary.

e. Resultant loss in natural productivity.

f. Loss of fresh water.

2. Loss of productive capacities that benefit man.

a. Reduced assimilative capacity of water to absorb
pollutants.

b, Reduced commercial and sport fishing activities due to
decreased total productivity.

c. Loss of relatively cheap, effective municipal sewage
treatment by wetlands.

d. Accelerated loss of wetlands to the ocean.

e. Loss of a buffer zone against tropical storms.

f. Shift of land ownership to state and federal entities,
thereby reducing local tax revenues.

It is not man's activities alone, however, that are causing the
loss of productive wetlands. In a declining estuarine system, cut
off from its creative and sustaining force, in tl-.iis case the
Mississippi River, the natural tendency is for the delta to regress
to its former state, that of open water body. Subsidence,
shoreline erosion and saltwater intrusion processes are all working
toward that end. In essence, all of coastal Louisiana which is not
building seaward, is sinking.

In addition to natural causes, the exploration and drilling for oil
and gas is a substantial cause of wetland deterioration, for it ac-
celerates the processes of salt water intrusion and shoreline ero-
sion. This is in conjunction with canal dredgingr for rig access,
which in itself is a direct destroyer of wetlands.

Implications for Planning

With the construction of the current levee system complete, recla-
mation by leveeing and draining should cease to be the prime des-
troyer of coastal wetlands in Orleans Parish. There is adequate
room for growth within the present levee alignment, and the Land
Use Plan reflects this condition. The emphasis for planning should
therefore focus on maintaining the remaining coastal marsh in east-
ern Orleans Parish in good condition. This can be achieved by es-
tablishing standards for land use and construction, particularly in
regard to the dredging of canals for navigation and mineral explo-
ration activities.

Another area to be investigated is the possibility of minimizing
the loss of wetlands due to natural processes. Artificial barrier
islands and/or diversion of fresh water into the marshes may miti-
gate the effects of subsidence and shoreline erosion.

Subsidence

Another coastal resource problem occurs when man seeks to inhabit
former wetlands. Subsidence is a phenomenon common to areas of
substantial organic soils. These soils may be compressed under the
weight of sand or other fill or construction. They may also sink
in response to a lowering of the water table, which accelerates
oxidation processes in the soil.

Soil subsidence is a problem found to some degrE!e throughout Or-
leans Parish; however, newly drained marsb or swaM real arlspar-
ticularly susceptible. Lockl subsidence in reclaigea we lan

increases the cost of development to the developers, which is
passed on to the consumer. Additionally, the homeowner must bear
the cost of occasional fill for his yard and possible repairs
caused by damage to his property by subsidence. Local government,
also, must shoulder the costs of subsidence-related maintenance to
its streets and utilities.

A study of soil types in a section of eastern New Orleans was pre-
pared in 1978 under auspices of the local Coastal Zone Management
program. The 'Engineering and Geotechnical Study for Drainage Area
No. 1 reports a series of undistrubed soil borings and laboratory
tests on these. Local codes and ordinances are discussed, with the
goal of eventual modification where appropriate. Fortunately, two
centuries of experience have helped to amelioratge, or at least
cope effectively with problems caused by soil subsidence in Orleans
Parish. Just as the City has responded to flooding potential by
developing levees, drainage networks and pumping facilities, so
also has it responded to this other natural phenomenon. The City's
Building Code establishes specific requirements for the support of
building, streets, underground utilities and the like. A technol-
ogy for man-hole construction, in which ringed tiers of bricks sup-
port the cover assembly, makes it more convenient to adjust the
height of the cover in response to local sinking conditions. T lie
listing of approximately a dozen shoring companies in the local
yellow pages is a testimony to the extent of subsidence in this
area. Private industry has responded to the need.

If underground gas lines crack in response to land shifting, re-
sulting leaks can touch off serious explosions, as has been experi-
enced in adjoining Jefferson Parish. In that jurisdiction, slab-
type building construction has been permitted on soils with subsi-
dence potential. Historically, Jefferson Parish has not had the
same building requirements, such as pilings and similar mitigative
measures as has Orleans. To reduce possibility of line damage, New
Orleans Public Service, Inc. requires coil or u-connection, capable
of flexing, for natural gas hookups to residences. This has con-
tributed to safety in such neighborhoods as Lakeview, where sinking
land has resulted in -8 foot elevations.

Implications for Planning

Subsidence of or-anic soils can be stopped or minimized by main-
0
taining the water table at or near the land surface. When used in
conjunction with subdivision development, this technique is called
the "wet" or "water drawdown" method. The water drawdown method is
composed of two major elements; an extensive storage system of
canals and lakes, and a system of pumping stations. The canals and
lakes serve as drains for the surrounding land. Water is then
pumped out of the canals and lakes until a predetermined water
table height is achieved. One major requirement of the'water draw-
down method of land development is that it necessitates the use of
pile supports for all structures built on the site.

It is the current policy of the City of New Orleans to utilize the
water drawdown method in all developing areas of eastern New
Orleans.

Flooding

Along with subsidence in reclaimed wetlands, the homeowner must be
aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas. This is due
to the reduced buffer zone and water storage functions formerly
performed by the wetlands and the fact that the reclaimed land is
below sea level. Adequate construction and drainage techniques
must be incorporated into plans for wetland developments.

The elevation of Orleans Parish ranges from approximately seven (7)
feet below sea level to ten (10) feet above. While all lands ex-
ternal to the levee system are subject to storm-related flooding,
there is a potential threat to certain leveed areas as well. Pro-
tection in developed areas is accomplished by existing levees and
by the City's drainage system. The City of New Orleans relies
heavily upon its levees and numerous pumping stations for security.
Stringent design criteria for levee construction reduces the like-
lihood of levee failure. This is critical, since the existing
pumping facilities cannot be expected to offset storm waters pour-
ing through a serious break in the levees.

To improve conditions, the Orleans Levee Board has undertaken a
project to raise all levees in the Parish system to project storm
design criteria. Most of the levees have been raised two an addi-
tional (2) feet to compensate for settlement. Also, the Sewerage
and Water Board has completed the upgrading of older pumping sta-
tions. This project made the pumping stations "flood proof" through
renovation of the electrical systems, raising electrical components
above projected flood levels and the provision of waterproof emer-
gency electrical sources.

A problem associated with flooding is the provision of flood pro-
tection while, at the same time, avoiding or minimizing-adverse
environmental affects. The construction of levees around undevel-
oped wetland changes the character of these wetlands and encourages
development in such areas. Additionally, by leveeing wetlands,
economic losses occur by reducing wildlife and fisheries habitat
and production. On the other hand, flood protection is needed for
a populaton of over one million residing around the shores of Lake
Pontchartrain. The cost in lives and property should severe flood-
ing occur would be immense. Therefore, flood protection works de-
signed to protect currently developed areas should be encouraged.
At the present time, existing levees provide flood protection to
developed areas of the City of New Orleans to the extent of about
100-year storm probability. New Hurricane protection plans author-
ized by Congress, would extend such protection to the approximate
level of a 200-year storm or Standard Project Hurricane. The auth-
orized plan, the Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Huricane Protec-
tion Plan (LPVHPP), proposed to install levees in the region of
Chef Menteur and the Rigolets and to construct structures

(barriers) across the passes. These structures could be closed to
prevent raising the level of Lake Pontchartrain to unusual heights
because of storm-driven tides from Mississippi Sound; however these
barriers would also restrict normal tidal flow through the passes,
with potentially harmful impacts on the ecology of the lake.

Levees associated with the Hurricane Protection Plan have already
been constructed around New Orleans East (Management Unit 14); how-
ever, construction related to the barrier structures was halted by
the courts in 1977, pending preparation of an adequate Environmen-
tal Impact Statement. In subsequent decisions, the court has al-
lowed the New Orleans East Levee to be raised with the opinion that
the affected area is already enclosed by levees, the raising of
which will not change their present character or cause any environ-
mental impact.

The Corps of Engineers has been ordered to explore alternative
flood protection schemes, with and without the barrier structures.
Completion of the Environmental Impact Statement, with alternative
structural schemes, is expected sometime in 1983.

Implications for Planning

The potential for disastrous flooding in the City of New Orleans is
an over-riding problem that should receive high priority in all
planning considerations. Protection of developed areas by artifi-
cial means, i.e., pumps and levees, is the only method to assure
adequate safeguards. On the other hand, coastal marshes provide
valuable storage areas for tidal surges associated with tropical
storms and hurricanes. Preservation of these marshes for their
flood protection properties should be considered in future planning
decisions.

Water Quality

One of the primary problems facing coastal resources in Orleans
Parish is the impact urban activities have on water quality in the
estuary, particularly on Lake Pontchartrain. This is almost an
inevitable result of urbanization; however, great strides have been
made in recent years in reducing the severity of these impacts and
in minimizing the potential of future impacts, due mainly to feder-
al regulatory policies such as-the National Environmental Protec-
tion Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act.

In Orleans Parish, one of the most significant sources of water
pollution is storm water runoff, which primarily affects Lake Pont-
chartrain. T most critical time of runoff is the first hour or
so during a heavy rain. During this period, rainwater is pumped
from storm drains into Lake Pontchartrain by means of long outfall
canals. Storm water discharges carry from the developed areas many
pollutants that were washed into the canals or accumulated on sur-
face areas of streets or buildings. Most notable of these pollu-
tants are fecal bacteria and viruses indicated by the presence of
high concentrations of E. coli bacteria (Mumphrey, et al, 1975:56).

During the late 1960's and early 19701s, a study was conducted on
the feasibility of treating polluted storm water by hypochlorina-
tion. Unfortunately, only a modest reduction of coliform counts
was achieved through extensive effort and expense. The study was
subsequently terminated and a cost-efficient solution to this
problem remains to be found.

Another source of water pollution is sewage. For years, New Or-
leans dumped largely untreated sewerage into the Mississippi River;
however, a new sewage treatment plant has recently been built in
Management Unit V that provides secondary treatment to the City's
household wastes. A new treatment plant is also currently being
planned for the West Bank in Algiers. The problem of infiltration
and inflow, however, remains to be solved.

Another source of sewage is untreated wastes frort camps. These
fishing camps, primarily located along Hayne Blvd., Highway 11 and
Highway 90 outside the levee system, are generally not hooked up to
municipal sewerage, nor do they have approved disposal technolo-
gies. Unless modified, they will continue to have a detrimental
effect on the wetlands and associated water bodiE!S.

The City of New Orleans has historically used thE@ land-fill method
for disposing of some of its garbage. The land fill provides a
convenient storage area for the large amounts of waste that other-
wise would be burned in incinerators, causing increased air pollu-
tion. Unfortunately, if operated improperly, thE@re are many ad-
verse effects associated with land fill operations. One of these
is severe water pollution. Decaying garbage breods large quanti-
ties of coliform salmoella bacteria. During heaNry rains (which are
quite common to the New Orleans area most of the year), this highly
polluted, nutrient-rich water is washed into Bayou Bienvenue and
then into Lake Borgne. Off and on for many years, the oyster beds
in Lake Borgne have had to be closed to harvesting due to abnormal-
ly high bacterial counts, stemming from the runoff associated with
the large landfills on Paris Road in St. Bernard and Eastern Or-
leans Parish. This pollution killed some oyster beds and rendered
some beds unusable due to the risk of infection or disease from the
consumption of these shell-fish. (Mumphrey, et ELI, Metropolitan
Wetlands Perspective)..

Another source of contamination in Lake Pontchartrain is from
industrial discharges through private and municipal. sewerage and
drainage systems. Industrial waste dumps in the region also
contribute a variety of persistent toxic chemicals to the Lake.
Hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene and polychlorinated bi-
phenyls (PCBs) have been found in the water and are now being found
in the Lake's clams (Landon, 1979).

Implications for Planning

The tightening of regulations and standards for operating landfills
in recent years should improve this situation. On December 11,
1980, the Solid Waste Management Program was adopted by the Louisi-
ana Environmental Control Commission, initiating the five-year time
limit for complying with federal and state standards. Open dumps
have been identified by an inventory. Procedures for the classifi-
cation of these dumps and the issuance of compliance orders to up-
grade or close them are being implemented according to a schedule
outlined in the rules and regulations of the state program.

The construction of the secondary treatment plant on the East Bank,
as well as a new treatment plant on the West Bank should ease the
problem of putting untreated sewage into the Mississippi River.
Disposal of untreated wastes from camps should cease to be a prob-
lem, as these camps are now required to either hook-up to the muni-
cipal sewerage system, where possible, or install an acceptable
disposal technology. Camps that fail to comply with such require-
ments will be closed down and/or removed by the Orleans Levee Board.

The problem of pumping polluted storm water runoff into Lake Pont-
chartrain is one to which a solution does not seem readily at hand.
Previous experiments in trying to reduce bacteria counts proved un-
feasible in light of the necessity of quickly removing storm water
from the City in order to avoid flooding. Additional studies into
this problem need to be performed before an effective recommenda-
tion can be given.

Saltwater Intrusion

Another potential source of water quality deterioration is in-
creased salinity, or saltwater intrusion.

Saltwater intrusion into Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding
marsh could gradually change the character of the marsh and its
wildlife species, however, any potential benefit or detriment to
man has, to date, not been accurately evaluated. The most spectac-
ular results of salt water intrusion are to be seen in the deterio-
ration of the brackisk marsh and freshwater swamps adjacent to the
AR-GO in St. Bernard Parish. According to Darnell (1930), however,
Lake Pontchartrain has historically undergone radical changes in
salinity levels, usually associated with hurricanes that push salt-
water into the estuary, or with the opening of the Bonnet Carre
Spillway, which introduces large amounts of fresh water into the
lake. Allowing saltwater to enter the Pontchartrain/Bor-ne estuary
complex will increase fishery production in certain species such as
shrimp and oysters, but will cause a reduction in the populations
of fresh water species.

Implications for Planning

Salinity levels in Lake Pontchartrain have historically fluctuated
due to natural causes. Construction of the MR-GO, however, may
have caused these fluctuations to occur within an overall higher
salinity regime.

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Special Area COMMittE!e should estab-
lish a goal for the general salinity level of the lake, either
fresher or more saline, so that planning decisions can be based on
that criteria.

Shoreline Erosion

Rapid shoreline erosion along Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne, espe-
cially at Alligator Point and betweenthe Chef Menteur Pass and the
Rigolets, is simultaneously destroying productive wetlands and
reducing land area dimensions.

The Louisiana coastal marsh is so eroded that any disruption in its
vegetation cover resulting in the impoundment of water and/or its
degradation to below normal water level, will initiate a cycle of
erosion from wind/wave action. The long term effE@CtS of erosion of
the marshes could-have a significant impact on the overall economy
of the state by destroying fishery nursery grounds.

Erosion ultimately reduces the effectiveness of WE!tlands as a
natural buffer to storm generated waves and causess a net loss in
habitat vital to the production of nutrients supportive of both
commercial and sport fishing productivity.

Implications for Planning

Shoreline erosion is caused by natural processes ELS well as man's
activities. Wind and wave action, in concert with. geologic subsi-
dence, are causing erosion throughout Louisiana marshes. Channeli-
zation, the cutting of canals through wetlands for navigational and
mineral exploration activities, accelerates the process of erosion.

Locations of severe bank slumping or shoreline retreat in Orleans
Parish should be identified and appropriate abatement technologies
investigated. Structural techniques such as rip rap, artificial
barrier islands and fresh water diversion should be looked into.

Policies to either limit canal dredging or minimize their negative
impacts should be incorporated as a high priority into the local
coastal management program.

Mineral Exploration

Increased concern about dependency on foreign oil and gas, as well
as recent congressional action toward the deregul@Ltion of the cost
of oil and gas in this country, will undoubtedly further explora-
tion and extraction activities in the New Orleans area. As previ-
ously described, most of this activity is presently occurring in
the Rigolets/Lake St. Catherine area; however, thE@ possibility that
exploratory drilling could take place anywhere in the parish is
appreciated. Oil and gas wells in isolated wetlands and waterways
present their own special problems, most notably canal dredging for
access and pipeline canals for transportation. Unless mitigating
actions are taken, such as backfilling canals or plugging canal

heads, environmental damage to coastal areas can occur. Eq ually
serious, as far as Orleans Parish is concerned, is the possible
location of drilling sites in proximity to populated areas, for
example, along Lakeshore Drive. The Lakeshore of Orleans Parish is
heavily used for water-oriented recreational activities and the
introduction of drilling equipment and associated hardware would
impose hardships upon current uses. The possibility of accidents,
spills and underwater obstacles in a recreation area would be
detrimental to the welfare of the citizens and visitors of Orleans
Parish. Needless to say, the concerns arising from exploration
activity in residential areas would be even greater.

Implications for Planning

Policies for minimizing environmental damage to wetlands caused by
access and pipeline canals should be formulated. Adequate safe-
guards to protect populated or recreational areas should be pursued
by the City; some effort is already being undertaken, such as the
conditional use process, and the Lake Pontchartrain Special Manage-
ment Ad Hoc Committee.

Lack of Recreational Access

The City of New Orleans is blessed with a number of recreational
resources, primarily due to its location within a coastal area.
Fishing, hunting and boating are some of the activities practiced
within the region's lakes, marshes and bayous. This high level of
activity has produced a corresponding demand for facilities needed
by such recreational pursuits. This is particularly true witli
respect to recreational boat mooring spaces. As one of the most
popular f orms of outdoor recreation, the number of spaces needed is
tremendous. (Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978)

The number of recreational boats registered in the New Orleans area
increased from 1970 to 1980 by 89% (26,556 to 50,101). At the same
time, the population of the area increased by only 9.7% (1,045,000
to 1,147,000). Considering that there has been virtually no in-
crease in the number of slips along the south shore of Lake Pont-
chartrain since 1960 when the Orleans Levee Board added 427 slips,
and that the number of recreational boats is increasing at almost
ten times the rate of population growth, the need for additional
facilities is obvious. This discrepancy in demand vs. availability
has perpetuated a black market for slips that will continue to
worsen. It is generally understood in this area that boats sold
with slips command much higher prices than the true market value.
(Burk and Associates, Inc. 1930) Assuming that all those who want-
ed slips were satisfied in 1970, though a long waiting list exis ted
at that time, the demand for recreational boat slips has doubled
during the past ten years. The effect on the recreational boating,
industry has been one of suppression. During the past years, sev-
eral boat dealers in the area have relocated to areas outside the
City of New Orleans where boat slips are available. Vessels re-
quiring wet slips cannot be sold where there are no wet slips
available (Burk and Associates, Inc. 1980).

There is great difficulty in providing marina facilities to meet
this demand. This type of development requires vast amounts of
funds and effort in the process of formulation and implementation.
The complex nature of such projects means that they cannot be put
together overnight. This has been illustrated by the current pro-
posals to expand the Municipal Yacht Harbor, and development of
marinas at Bucktown, Lincoln Beach and the Lakefront Airport. All
of these projects have been in the development stage for a number
of years, but none are under construction at the present time.
(Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978).

Lack of recreational access is also perceived in inadequate park
and beach facilities in the coastal area. In Orleans Parish there
are only two publicly maintained park sites that interface with
coastal waters - Lakeshore Park and Fort Pike.

Lakeshore Park is the most used coastal shore in the state and,
coincidentally, one of the best in terms of public facilities. One
type of amenity which is in short supply is the swimming area. At
present, there are only two designated swimming areas, both manmade
and severely crowded on holidays and weekends. Summer weekday use
is also heavy. A recent study by the University of New Orleans
demonstrated that Lakeshore Park actually serves as a regional
facility in that half of the users surveyed were from parishes
other than Orleans. With as many as 60,000 users on nice summer.*
weekends, overcrowding and friction between recrE@ationists and
nearby residents is a common occurrence. See Figure 24.

Fort Pike, which has undergone extensive renovation, provides
fishing, picnicking and boat launching facilities. This stands in
stark contrast to the continued deterioration of Fort Macomb,
located at Chef Pass.

Other potential recreation sites have, like Fort Macomb, not been
developed to their potential. The Edgelake/Little Woods strip of
shoreline in Management Unit IV on Lake Pontchartrain is located in
the rapidly developing eastern section of New Orleans. No public
use areas or access points currently exist along this six mile
stretch of coast line. The area has great potential for multiple
recreation opportunities such as fishing, swimming, biking, etc.
These opportunities have not been realized largely because there
are many private camps located immediately adjacent to the shore-
line which conflict with public recreational use of the shore.

Likewise, Lincoln Beach in the same area is a deserted amusement
park which has a concrete fishing pier and man-made beach. Even
though the area has the eery atmosphere of a ghost town, it is used
daily by fishermen and swimmers. The beach, which has not been
maintained since tile early 1960's, is still in vory good condition,
as is the fishing pier. The site is owned by the Orleans Levee
Board and leased to the Lake Forest Corporation. The corporation
intends to build a 600 slip public marina on the 539-acre property.
(Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978).

ORLEANS LAKESHORE PHYSICAL INVENTORY

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Implications for Planning

In spite of the tremendous amount of water in and around New
Orleans, adequate recreational access to these water bodies has
never been developed. There are really only two alternatives for
coastal water-oriented recreation in the Parish. One is to utilize
Lakeshore Park, which is overburdened during peak usage times. The
other is to take advantage of private boating opportunities. This
alternative is limited by two factors in that not everyone can
afford a boat, and, secondly, even those who can afford them cannot
find adequate storage facilities.

In light of the stated economic goal of expanding; family-oriented
recreational facilities, and the obvious necessity of increasing
public recreational opportunities, high priority should be placed
on developing both public and private water-orierLted recreational
facilities. This priority should be particularly applied to the
eastern part of the Parish as this area develops.

In addition, much of the demand for recreational facilities along
the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline is being generated by persons who
reside outside of the Parish. As Lakeshore Park in essence serves
as a regional park, regional funding for improved facilities should
be sought.

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POTENTIAL PARTICULAR@ AREAS

PARTICULAR AREAS

Particular Areas are areas within the coastal zone which have
unique and valuable chracteristics requiring special management
procedures. Such areas should be identified, designated and
managed by local governments, following procedures consistent with
those for Special Areas (LCRP, FEIS. c6-3). Special Areas are
identified as areas which may include among other things, important
geological formations (such as beaches); historical or archaeologl--
cal sites; corridors for transportation, industrialization or ur-
banization; ports or other developments or facilities dependent
upon access to water. The difference between Particular Areas and
Special Areas is a matter of degree. Special Areas are areas of
major or regional significance, while Particular Areas are more
local in natLure and should be managed at the local level.
At this time Orleans Parish does not seek the designation of any 601
Particular Areas within its Coastal Zone. However, in the futur
the Parish reserves the right to seek such a designation for
potential sites, three of which are herein described. These in-
clude the Chef Menteur Highway Corridor between Chef Pass and the
Rigolets, the Point aux Herbes/Irish Bayou area and the Venetian
Isles Marsh between Bayou Sauvage and the Gulf Intracoastal Wate'_
way. Such a decision to modify the local program will be made if
arid when, future conditions so warrant.Figure 25 shows the locati@n
of these potential Particular Areas. Mitigation measures to insure
compatability with surrounding marshes will be included in any Par-
ticular Area designation.

Chef '.14enteur Highway Corridor

This area of about 1500 acres lies partially on a former distribu-
tary ridge of the St. Bernard Delta. For this reason it exhibits
the characteristics, solid ground and slightly higher elevations,
that have permitted the greatest access to the wetlands in eastern
New Orleans. Chef Menteur Highway was built on this more stable
linear formation with borrow fill dug from canals on either site of
the highway. The highway thus acts somewhat as a levee, bisecting
the marshes, but, more importantly, the*strip between the road and
the bayou/canals paralleling it has become an oasis of relatively
dry land in the marsh.

Into this gap have moved many persons, creating a linear strip of
camp residence and second home development between Chef Pass and
the Rigolets. Some commercial uses have evolved to service this
community, most notably seafood restaurants and other uses support-
ing the recreational/commercial exploitation of coastal resources.
These uses are a traditional part of the culture. of New Orleans.
Additionally there is a major historic park site, Fort Pike on the
Rigolets.

The maintenance of this cultural reservoir is considered an impor-
tant and natural goal of CZM, however, policies must be adopted
that will insure its continued viability and that future develop-
ments in this unit will not endanger adjacent areas.

Point Aux Herbes

The Point Aux Herbes area consists of approximately 1400 acres of
brackish marsh and inland lakes. In the past, a distributary arm
of the St. Bernard delta coursed through this unit, providing a
base of mineral soils. In addition, sand deposits indicate the
remnants of the Pine Island trend, which forms the southern bound-
ary of Lake Pontchartrain.

Due partly to this firm base, this area has been crossed by sever-
al major arteries, including Highway 11, Interstate 10 and the
Southern Railroad. Similar to the conditions on Chef Highway, a
fishing camp community has developed on the dry ground between the
highway and Irish Bayou. This community provides the first glimpse
of Orleans Parish to travelers entering the City from the east on
I-10.

Because of the excellent access provided by the major arteries, the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan deisgnates this area as appropriate for
recreational development. The configuration of inland lakes and
bayous in proximity to roads could indicate likely sites for mari-
nas. Management techniques to permit expanded uses while mitigat-
ing their impacts should be developed simultaneously.

Venetian Isles

This area of about 1000 acres is bounded on the north by Bayou
Sauvage, on the east by Chef Pass, on the south by the GIWW arid on
the west by the South Point to GIWW levee. The majority of the
land is classified as intermediate to brackish marsh, cut by sever-
al bayous and man-made canals.

Substantial development has occurred in this unit, including a
waterfront subdivision, Venetian Isles, a light industrial business
park between Chef Highway and Bayou Sauvage, commercial and recrea-
tional uses adjacent to Fort Macomb, marinas and boat launches.
The unit is traversed by Chef Highway, the L&N Railroad and the
Fort Macomb Canal.

Due to the primary access routes, the existing substantial develop-
ment and the modified conditions of the marsh, the Comprehensive
Land Use Plan identifies this area as suitable for special marine
industrial uses. In addition, commercial, light industrial and,
recreational uses may evolve along the southern side of Chef High-
way. As in the previous area, management techniques which would
allow marine-oriented development in the coastal zone, while incor-
porating mitigation measures, should be developed for this unit.

SPECIAL AREAS 30

As described in the preceeding section, Special Areas are similar
to Particular Areas, but differ in degree of significance. While
Particular Areas are designated and managed at the local level,
Special Areas are desi-nated by the Louisiana Department of Natural
Resources and may require management by an interparish or intergov-
ernmental team. In the LCRP/FEIS, two proposed Special Areas af-
fecting Orleans Parish were described, the Port of New Orleans and
the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.
Lake Pontchartrain Basin(18)

The Lake Pontchartrain basin includes all or part of 15 different
parishes. Included in the basin are areas of unique and highly
productive habitats, areas of oil and gas production, shell depos-
its and areas suitable for development.

The lar-e number of political units and interests in the basin
0
opens the possibility of it being a special area for management
under Section 213.10 of Act 361. The formulation and implementa-
tion of a comprehensive basinwide management plan would require
consideration of the project plans and problems of all these
political units.

The first step to basinwide management will be taken during the
first year of program implementation. This initial project will
identify all responsible agencies and applicable regulations within
each political unit and interface these responsibilities to elimi-
nate overlaps and gaps in their jurisdictions. This would promote
a more efficient and direct application of existing agency re-
sources to the problem of coastal zone management. In addition,
this task would provide a list of issues of importance that would
need to be addressed in a basinwide program. Possible issues would
include development, public access, flood and hurricane protection,
and protection of renewable resources.

The City of New Orleans recognizes the necessity of a coordinated
planning effort to insure the continued health and viability of
Lakes Maurepas, Pontchartrain, St. Catherine and Borgne. To ti-lis
end the Parish supports efforts to create this Special Area and the
establishment of an equitable management program that would be fair
I
to the needs of all the surrounding parishes and to the estuary,
especially. On February 12, 1981, Councilman Bryan Wagner was
appointed by the New Orleans City Council to the Lake Pontchartrain
Basin Special Management Committee in order to begin to achieve
these ends.

The Port of New Orleans(19)

The Port of New Orleans is the largest port in the United States;
over 14,000 ocean-going vessels and 100,000 barges move through New
Orleans a year. The Port acts as the gateway for commerce between
the central United States and,the rest of the world. @Over one

quarter of all the waterborne commerce moved in the U.S. is moved
on the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and the Gulf of Mexi-
co. The total value of the foreign trade (import, and export) moved
on the lower Mississippi River is estimated at 23. billion dollars
and generates over 300 million dollars in custom duties annually.
The-Port of New Orleans accounts for ten percent of the gross state
product. (Letter by Herbert R. Haar, Jr., Associate Port Direc-
tor).

A recent study prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of' Engineers, the
New Orleans-Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area (NOBRMA) study, indicates
that the Port of New Orleans will have to accommodate increasing
amounts of commerce including newer and larger vessels in the fu-
ture. The NOBRMA study indicates that by the year 2020 the volume
of waterborne commerce in the New Orleans region will triple. The
NOBRMA study also indictes that all types of commercial ocean-going
vessels are increasing in size and that new facilities will be
needed to accommodate them.

The Port of New Orleans and the major navigable waterways that con-
nect it to the Gulf, including the Mississippi River, Mississippi
River-Gulf Outlet, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Inner Harbor Naviga_
tion Canal, and Harvey Canal must be maintained and in some cases
modified to accommodate this increased amount of commerce and the
new, larger ocean-going vessels of the future. Channels will need
to be enlarged and existing navigation structures are going to have
to be replaced. It is in the national interest ithat the Port of
New Orleans and the Mississippi River navigation system be modern-
ized in order to remain a viable international seaport.

The Port of New Orleans is exempt from the coastal use permit sys-
tem established by Section 213.13 of Act 361. This section exempts
deepwater port commissions and deepwater port, harbor and terminal
districts from having to obtain coastal use permits, but requires
them to "be consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the
state and any affected approved local program."

The CMS/DNR and the staff of the Port of New Orleans believe that
because of the tremendous economic and physical impacts of the Port
of New Orleans and its navigable waterways as well as the unique
needs of the Port, that the Port and its navigable waterways should
be managed as a special area.

The special area would consist of those land and water areas, sub-
ject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Commissioners of the Port
of New Orleans, which are required for the operation and develop-
ment of the-Port of New Orleans. The Coastal Management Section of
DNR and the staff of the Port of New Orleans are working together
to develop a management program that will allow the Port of New
Orleans to remain a viable international deepwater port and at the
same time minimize any detrimental effects that any dredge and fill
operations may have on the coastal zone.

The basic guidelines developed for the special management
program will balance the continuing need for the modernization of
the port area and its navigable water corridors with increased con-
cern about the environmental damage that these corridors create.
The management program shall address the need for the modernization
of the port facilities and the necessity of widening and deepening
particular navigation channels. The program shall also contain
measures for addressing erosion and siltation problems which are
affecting many of the present shipping canals. Additional efforts
shall be made to limit the amount of saltwater intrusion caused by
the existence of navigation channels. The management program will
also contain guidelines on the use of spoil disposal as a method
for the creation and restoration of marshlands. In summary, this
program will allow for the necessary continuing development of the
Port of New Orleans and also provide lessening of damages to
wildlife habitats associated with port and channel expansion.

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES

The preceding sections have described the environmental, social and
economic conditions of Orleans Parish, in order to provide a con-
text for coastal planning. Although the primary emphasis of this
report focuses on coastal zone issues, they must be considered in
balance with social, economic and other factors as well as the
total environmental setting.

This chapter presents the goals, objectives and policies to be used
in guiding the future development of Orleans Parish. While these
do not possess the force of law, and are not intended to regulate
activities directly, they do outline the long-term ends toward
which careful planning stages are directed. The policies provide a
course of action, chosen from among a range of alternatives. They
appear in the context of given conditions, with the intent to guide
and influence present and future decisions involving land and
resource use.

These guidelines were developed primarily through two programs
directed by the New Orleans City Planning Commission: The Compre-
hensive Land Use Plan and the Orleans Parish Coastal Zone Manage-
ment Plan. In the first program, an intensive land use analysis
was performed in conjunction with citizen attitude surveys.
Meetings were held with neighborhood residents in order to ascer-
tain community needs and desires. From these activities, goals and
objectives for each planning district were derived. This informa-
tion served as the basis for a comprehensive land use plan to be
used as an element of the master plan for the City of New Orleans.
The "Proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan" was then presented at a
series of public hearings held to explain the plan and receive com-
ments from the general public. In December of 1980 the Comprehen-
sive Land Use Plan was adopted by the New Orleans City Planning
Commission.

The goals, objectives and policies developed in the Coastal Zone
Management Plan are concerned primarily with those management units
located outside the levee system. Since there are few residents in
these marsh areas, citizen participation and input was achieved by
the creation of a CZM Citizen's Advisory Committee, composed of
representatives of the various interest groups who use the re-
sources of the coastal zone. Their recommendations for coastal
management districts were incorporated into the Comprehensive Land
Use Plan, and with the adoption of the Land Use Plan, became part
of the Master Plan for the City of New Orleans.

Overall Goals for Orleans Parish

As previously stated, the primary emphasis of this section is the
formulation of goals and objectives for the coastal zone; however,
they must be balanced by other social and economic factors, taking
in the total environment. This total view is reflected in the fol-
lowing four major goals of Orleans Parish, which as outlined in the
land use plan are to be achieved primarily within the currently
leveed areas of the City.

1. To expand the economic base of the City of New Orleans;

2. To provide additional flood protection for both residents
and oroDertv owners of thp Citv of New ()r1.-.qnz-

84
3. To retain and increase middle income families within the
central city area of New Orleans; and

4. To avoid the uncontrolled urban sprawl phenomenon.

The Managed Growth Plan, which seeks to achieve these goals, pro-
vides for a balance between revitalizing older sections of the
City, allowing new growth in developing sections of the City, and
permitting limited development in environmentally sensitive areas.
The plan emphasizes the following objectives:

1. Emphasis on the Central Business District in terms of
work, leisure and living areas with the goal of keeping
the Central Business District as a Regional Center and a
24 hour-a-day area.

2. Emphasis on transit facilities and services with reduced
emphasis on the automobile as the primary transportation
mode.

3. Expansion of industrial land opportunities to provide
land, both within the developed section of the City and
in developing sections, for new employment opportunities

4. Recognition of environmentally sensitive areas', particu-
larly wetlands, to provide for limited'development and
appropriate regulation provided that densities in wet-
lands are far less than that proposed for areas within
the levee.

5. Provide for physical expansion of the City with urban
development generally occurring within the hurricane
levee protection system. This should provide land for
continued growth and help relieve denSitY pressures in
older areas while providing for a variety of housing
options to be available to all socio-economic levels.

6. Emphasis on conservation of existing neighborhoods
generally at their current densities. Also provide for
selected redevelopment in particular 'Locations where
existing conditions so warrant.

The policies to achieve these objectives are embodied in the Master
Plan for the City of New Orleans, of which the Land Use Plan is a
key component. The Land Use Plan sets forth the goals, objectives
and policies to guide planning and decision-making for each manage-
ment unit.

LEVEED MANAGEMENT UNITS

As stated in the overall goals for the City of New Orleans, the
focus of urban activity will be within the fastland, leveed and
otherwise protected management units and will consist of two com-
ponents: revitalizing older sections of the City and allowing con-
trolled growth in the developing parts of the City. The following
descriptions of leveed management units establishes the policies to
be followed to accomplish these goals.

Management Unit I: The Urban Core

The Urban Core Unit contains most of the developed portion of the
City as well as the majority of the population. Management efforts
are, not surprisingly, directed at retaining and improving neigh-
borhoods while at the same time strengthening the Central Core area
and maintaining it as a Regional Center.

GOAL: To conserve existing neighborhoods generally at their
current densities and to provide for selected redevelop-
ment in particular locations where existing conditions so
warrant.

Objectives:

a. To maintain the quality of existing development with par-
ticular attention to general maintenance of structures.

b. To improve declining residential neighborhoods through
the cooperative efforts of both private and public
groups.

C. To prevent the spread of conflicting land uses and to
encourage development in accordance with the land use
plan.

d. To preserve areas and structures of historical and archi-
Policies: tectural significance.

a. To encourage private improvement to structures.

b. To insure sound new development on scattered vacant
sites.

C. To improve and provide additional community facilities.

d. To enforce the housing and building codes.

e. To maintain and beautify streets, particularly minor
streets in residential areas.

f. To maintain and expand, where possible, play-rounds and
recreational facilities.

9. To expand the capacity of the yacht harbor and marina to
provide better boating facilities for a greater number of
people.

h. To investigate the potential use of historic district
mechanisms as a means of preserving older structures.

i. To develop in areas with historic buildings or on "tout

ensemble" streets consistent with historic buildings as
well as contribute to the overall environmental quality.

j. To relate each building to the architectural elements of
the particular street or adjacent building; height, floor
height, fenestration, entry form, materials, etc.

k. To rehabilitate historic buildings with viable uses.

1. To stop demolition of historic buildings.

M. To discourage scattered commercial and industrial uses in
residential areas.

GOAL: To expand industrial land opportunities to provide land
within the developed section of the City for new
employment opportunities..

Objectives:

a. To encourage the development of vacant and/or underutil-
ized commercial and industrial properties.

Policies:

a. To guide new development in accordance with the City's
Land Use Plan.

b. To permit industrial expansion to replace poorly located,
substandard residential pockets in accordance with the
Land Use Plan.

GOAL: To emphasize transit facilities and services with reduced
emphasis on the automobile as the primiry transportation
mode.

Objectives:

a To develop an integrated transportation system, balancing
automobile facilities with transit and pedestrian move-
ment.

Policies:

a. Relate development intensity to the street network capa-
city as well as to the scale and character of adjacent
areas and buildings.

b. Develop pedestrian movement corridors to the Superdome
from major hotels and parking areas reinforcing the
existing activities and influencing the expansion of
activities uptown of Canal Street.

co Locate new parking areas only where street capacity can

accommodate peak hour unloading.

d. Develop inter-area transit to connect new high intensity
development with parking areas as well as with existing
employment centers.

eo Establish long-haul mass transit to the CBD from outlying
areas.

f. Minimize auto trips through pedestrian areas such as the
Vieux Carre' and HEAL.

GOAL: To emphasize the Central Business District in terms of-
work, leisure and living areas, with the goal of keeping
the CBD as a Regional Center and a 24 hour-a-day area.

Objectives:

a. To strengthen downtown New Orleans as the administrative,
office, retail and entertainment center of the Region.

b. To-encourage development along the Riverfront.

C. To strengthen the bond between the Vieux Carre and the
CBD.

d. To provide a range of activities in the Central Area to
attract residents as well as visitors.

e. To protect and develop good residential communities with-
in the Central Area.

f. To treat and rehabilitate Skid Row inhabitants and elimi-
nate Skid Row itself.

To promote architectural design distinction.

h. To continue the public/private partnership to implement
the Growth Management Plan and continue planning for the
CBD.

Policies:

a. Encourage multiple use in the Central Core sub-areas.

b. Encourage the development of night activity uptown of
Canal Street, particularly hotel and residential develop-
ment.

C. Encourage residential development throughout the Central
Area.

d. Concentrate major new development in multi-purpose cen-
ters in five areas: Poydras Street, Riverfront, Super-
dome Area, infill in Office Core and Upper Canal Street.

e. Control further demolition and creation of more surface
parking lots within the Core.

f. Locate commercial development uptown of Iberville Street.

9. Connect all new projects with a clearly defined high
amenity network to present pedestrian corridors, with
arcades, galleries, pedestrian walkways and the like.

h. Connect new employment and residential areas to the Canal
Street retail area.

i. Provide the pedestrian network with a variety of uses
where feasible, such as retail, entertELinment, and eating
facilities.

j. Provide open space throughout the Central Area, particu-
larly small urban parks along the major pedestrian circu-
lation network.

k. Landscape large plazas associated with major develop-
ments.

1. Phase out inappropriate dock activities consistent with
the Growth Management Plan to allow access-to the river
and to encourage new development.

M. Encourage pedestrian use in riverfront activities.

n. Develop riverfront without blocking public access and
views of the river.

0. Concentrate high rise development on the riverfront at
points of high capacity movement system.

P. Preserve accessibility to the riverfront from adjacent
areas.

q. Maintain view corridors from adjacent areas.

r. Develop the riverfront without disturbing the character
of adjacent areas.

S. Locate major new residential development uptown of Poy-
dras Street.

t. Develop Camp, Carondelet, St. Charles and Baronne Streets
as primary retail and service streets.

U. Retain the primary retail core on Canal Street.

V. Encourage residential development within walking distance
of the retail core.

W. Improve the general character of @he retail core by addi-
tional landscaping and institution of a coordinated
street furniture program.

X. Separate service traffic to the retail core from pedes-
trian and auto movement by physical location or access
time (early morning and late evening).

Y. Locate large scale development uptown of the retail core
with no such construction on Iberville Street, between
Rampart and North Peters.

Z. Locate only small scale residential projects in the Vieux
Carr6, Trem6, and Marigny, and require any develop-
ment to contribute to the historic character of the
areas.

aa. Construct major new hotel development away from the Vieux
Carr6, but within walking distance to promote tourist
activity in and access to the Vieux Carr6 as well as
the office and retail core area.

bb. Develop inter-area transit between the Vieux Carr6 and
new development sites.

CC. 'Develop the Rampart/Bourbon Street blocks of the Vieux
Carr6 in a manner compatible with the Vieux Carr6.

dd. Preserve the Vieux Carr6, Marigny and Trem6 as
historic re.sidential neighborhoods.

ee. Provide living opportunities in the Central Area for a
range of population groups.

ff. Continue renovation in the Vieux Carr6, Trem6, and
Marigny without displacing residents or residential
structures.

gg. Encourage residential construction near high employment
centers such as HEAL.

hh. Establish a Detoxification and Rehabilitation Center to
coordinate city and state functions.

ii. Phase out the activities and land uses that make Skid Row
a viable entity.

jj. Monitor zoning districts and other controls to insure a
high level of urban design, architectural and landscape
architectural quality.

Management Unit II: Algiers/Aurora

The Algiers/Aurora Planning District experienced an estimated
population increase of 11,000 persons between 1970 and 1975. This
trend of population growth is anticipated to continue, since the
1995 projection of 80,549 persons indicates an increase of over
23,000 persons from the 1975 estimate of 63,463.

This continued population growth will be accommodated primarily in
single family housing, although moderate apartment construction is
anticipated and increased townhouse and condominium developent are
expected.

Projected growth in commercial acreage is compatible with growth in
newly developing areas and is indicative of the trend toward larger
commercial sites serving neighborhood, community and highway-orien-
ted needs.

Over one-third of Algiers/Aurora is classified as vacant with size-
able tracts available for development.

GOAL: To conserve existing neighborhoods generally at their
current densities and to provide for selected redevelop-
ment in particular locations where existing conditions so
warrant.

Objectives:

a. Maintain stability in sound residential neighborhoods.

b. Encourage and promote rehabilitation efforts, particularly
in the older portion of the District.

C. Achieve land use compatability by guiding growth in cur-
rently undeveloped areas in accordance Avith the land use
plan.

d. Improve River-crossing capacity connecting the East and
Policies: West Banks.

a. To inf orm citizens of various rehabilitation assistance
programs available at the local and federal levels.

b. To secure funds to assist in rehabilitation eff orts.

c. To encourage private maintenance efforts.

d. To provide improved public facilities and services, par-
ticularly in the older portions of the District, such as
sidewalks, street maintenance and landscaping, and neigh-
borhood recreational facilities.

e. To enforce building and housing codes.

f. To construct a new bridge in the Greater New Orleans
area.

9. To implement transit improvements recommended in the
Metropolitan Transportation Study.

h. To provide neighborhood-type recreational facilities even
though major park facilities are within reasonable
proximity to District residents.

i. To guide land use development through the use of public
facilities and utilities.

j. To accommodate intense commercial and multi-family
residential uses in areas appropriate to high traffic
generation, and to adequately buffer such uses from
adjacent single-family developments.
Z:>

Management Unit III: Lower Coast

Population in the Lower Coast has remained extremely small.
However, it is estimated to rech 10,000 by 1995.

Access to the Unit is extremely limited with a narrow drawbridge
across the Intracoastal Waterway being the only access from the
rest of Orleans Parish. However, this problem should be rectified
in the near future.

The City is in the process of developing a major regional park in
the Unit which will attract persons to the area and should result
in additional development, particularly along roadways providing
access to the park.

GOAL: To provide for physical expansion of the City with urban
development generally occurring within the hurricane levee
protection system. This should provide land for continued
growth and help relieve density pressures in older areas
while providing for a variety of housing options to be-
available to all socio-econornic levels.

Objectives:

a. To promote and guide development in accordance with the
land use plan.

b. To improve access to the District by constructing a high
level bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway at the foot of
General DeGaulle Drive.

c. Develop the 750 acres of English Turn Wilderness Park as
planned, striking a balance between man-use of the
environment and the natural eco-system.

Policies:

a. To formulate and apply techniques such as zoning and
subdivision regulations for the District.

b. To use the provision of public services and utilities to
guide development.

Management Unit IV: East Gentilly

Population in East Gentilly has been increasing continually with
particularly large gains occurring since 1970. The percentage gain
over the five year period 1970-1975 was approximately 35%. It is
estimated that over 115,000 people could ultimately live in East
Gentilly.

The commercial areas along Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road,
which were once the sole source of District commercial activity are
being supplemented by shopping districts and centers along Inter-
state 10 since Chef Menteur Highway has been replaced as a major
gateway into the City.

The semi-rural character of commercial and residential areas
between Morrison Road and Hayne Boulevard are chSLnging as subdivi-
sions are opened and roads are improved.

The widening of Hayne Boulevard will place increasing pressure for
more intensive use of lakefront property in the District. The City
has moved to aggressively develop the Almonaster-Michoud Industrial
District which should in the long run become one of the most impor-
tant job generating sites in the City.

The extension of roadways such as Read Boulevard into the industri-
al sector between the Chef Menteur Highway and the Mississippi
River Gulf Outlet will provide better access to the under-utilized
industrial acreage in this area.

Areas of deteriorated housing and poor street conditions exist'off
Chef Menteur Highway.

Extensive vacant land exists in East Gentilly, Particularly in the
industrial sector between Chef Menteur Highway and the Mississippi
River-Gulf Outlet, and in the area bounded by Bullard Road, Inter-
state 10, Paris Road and Dwyer Road.

GOAL: To provide for physical expansion of the City, generally
within the hurricane levee protection system, while pro-
viding a variety of housing options to be available to all
socio-economic levels.-

Objectives:

a. Promote and guide development in accordance with the land
use plan.

b. Encourage private maintenance efforts to maintain neigh-
borhood stability in older portions of the District as
well as in those areas developed more recently.

C. Promote rehabilitation of substandard and deteriorated
residential property and poor streets in those few areas
where these conditions exist.

d. Encourage revitalization of older strip commercial proper-
ties that are deteriorating due to a shift in emphasis to
newer commercial districts.

e. Develop plans to better utilize the lakefront for recre&-
tional purposes.

Policies:

a. To keep "public" pace with subdivision expansion by pro-
viding sufficient streets, hospitals, libraries, schools,
parks and playgrounds to accommodate population growth.
L1>

b. To utilize the provision of utilities and services to
guide development.

C. To guide development through such techniques as zoning,
subdivision regulations and the capital budgeting process.

d. To inform citizens of available rehabilitation programs at
the federal and local levels.

e. To improve street conditions.

f. Require camps along Hayne Blvd. to hook-up to municipal
sewerage or install alternative disposal technology.

GOAL: To expand industrial land opportunities to provide land in
the developing sections of the City for new employment
opportunities.

Objectives:

a. To encourage the rapid development of the Almonaster
Corridor.

Policies:

a. To formulate a detailed plan for industrial development in
the Almonaster-Michoud Industrial District.

Management Unit VI: New Orleans East

Although the current population of the District is small, there are
indications that significant development will commence in the near
future.

New Orleans East experiences varying degrees of development
constraints. Virtually the entire District is characterized by
organic marsh-type soils which subside when drained. Unless spe-
cial development techniques are utilized to contain this phenome-
non, subsidence results in both public and private property damage.
Since much of the District presently is not drained, drainage and
subsequent subsidence should be accomplished prior to development
taking place.

GOAL: To provide for physical expansion of the City, generally
within the hurricane levee protection system,_while pro-
viding a variety of housing options to be available to
all socio-economic levels.

Objectives:

a. Guide growth in accordance with the adopted land use plan
for this area.

Policies:

a. To use the provision of public facilities and utilities
to guide growth.

b. To implement the land use plan for the District by the
use of mechanisms including zoning and subdivision regu-
lations.

C. To prepare specific regulations to guide development in
the Interstate 10 corridor.

GOAL: Minimize subsidence problems prior to further develop-
ment.

Objectives:

a. To accomplish early, controlled drainage of currently
undrained areas that are programmed for development so
that subsidence is properly monitored and mitigated, as
the East Gentilly unit was.

b. To revise development codes to insure the use of building
and land preparation techniques appropriate to areas sub-
ject to severe subsidence, if necessary.

Policies:

a. To utilize the water-drawdown method of drainage in this

area*

b. To investigate new construction techniques appropriate
for low-lying, floodprone, and subsidence-prone areas.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT UNITS

The Purpose of the Coastal Zone Management is to regulate man's
interaction with the natural environment in a manner most benefi-
cial to the current and future generations of New Orleanians. The
coastal zone is an area rich in both renewable and non-renewable
resources. The rich deposits- of oil, gas, and shell located here
are the product of thousands of years of biological processes. The
retrieval of these resources is necessary to society; however,
these resources are limited and can be exhausted.

The interface of land and water serves as the production area for
important species of fish and shellfish. The quantity produced is
directly dependent on the extent and quality of the coastal wet-
lands. This resource is renewable and with care can supply future
generations. It is due to this abundance that people are drawn
here to live and work.

The importance of the coastal zone goes beyond its resource produc-
tion. Our attempts to exploit its riches have influenced our cul-
ture and heritage. The coastal environment is a major source of
recreation and helps define our city, contributing to its unique-
ness.

Along with these productive resources go a scarity of land suitable
for urban uses. Uncontrolled-urban development is the single lar-
gest threat to the environment which was the attraction of that
development. The unavoidable by-products of human activities are
also a threat to the natural environment. At the same time, this
coastal environment poses threats to man's occupation. The low ele-
vation and lack of topographic relief coupled with the threat of
storms poses problems from flooding. The organic composition of
the soils presents special problems for urban uses.

In summary, Coastal Zone Management seeks to strike a balance
between man's use of the environment and the maintenance of the
natural ecosystem. The process of planning implies the formulation
of goals. The following goals are those which guided the prepara-
tion of a Coastal Zone Management Plan for the City of New Orleans.
Planning for the Coastal Zone must also be viewed in the higher
context of the City's desire to improve the welfare and quality of
life for all its citizens.

General'Goals

1. The maintenance of a high level of quality within estuary
areas in particular and within the City of New Orleans in
general.

2. The formulation of land use policies, guidelines and tech-
niques appropriate to marsh-estuary areas.

3. The formulation of a means by which energy resources may be
exploited while mitigating or minimizing the negative envi-
ronmental impacts.

4. The provision of adequate open space and recreational areas
for the benefit of the citizens of the New Orleans Metro-
politan Area and the State of Louisiana.

5. To protect and promote the wise use of economic and ecolog-
ic resources, both renewable and nonrenevrable, represented
by the natural environment.

6. The efficient utilization of existing governmental agen-
cies, in a coordinated fashion, in the Management of sensi-
tive environmental areas.

Management Unit V: Viavant

The Viavant Management Unit is not currently leveed; however, this
unit is included in the Chalmette Levee hurricane protection sys-
tem, construction of which by the U.S. Corps of Engineers will
begin during the summer of 1981. Much of the 4000 acres of this
unit has been significantly modified by the placing of large
amounts of spoil material during the dredging of the-Gulf Intra-
coastal Waterway and, subsequently,the Mississippi River-Gulf
Outlet. Due to this significant modification, this unit has been
designated as a transitional area.

The most significant aspect of the existing land usage is the pre-
dominant amount of vacant acreage; however, with access to deep
draft waterways, and high surface elevations created by spoil dis-
posal, virtually all of the unit could be developed for industrial
uses. The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans' long
range expansion plans involve part of Viavant, and it is anticipat-
ed that this area will be included in the Port of New Orleans Spe-
cial Area when the management plan for that entity is established.
WateFb-orne commercial activity in Viavant could be enhanced if the
Industrial Canal lock were enlarged to permit passage by larger
ships and if the MR-GO were deepened to accommodate deeper-draft
ships.

GOAL: To provide land in Viavant as an industrial development
reserve to meet long-range industrial needs.

Objectives:

a. To resist the extension of public facilities into the
area until other available industrial land is absorbed,
except in unusual circumstances.

b. Support efforts of the Board of Commissioners of the Port
of New Orleans and the Coastal Management Section/Depart-
ment of Natural Resources to establish a Port of New
Orleans Special Area, to include Viavant, which would
allow the necessary expansion of the Port of New Orleans
and port-related industry without causing undue deterio-
ration of the coastal zone.

Policies:

a* To require coastal use permits in conformance with the
LCRP for any activities, other than deep water port
activities, which will result in modifications to coastal
wetlands, until such time as this area is placed under
Special Management.

Management unit VII: New Orleans East/Special

The land area in this unit is mostly vacant wetlands. The most
significant probable land use change would entail the development
of a special marine industrial area along the present Gulf Intra-
coastal Waterway.

The majority of the acreage within this unit is included in the
Master Plan for New Orleans East. That plan and the City's Coastal
Zone Management Plan designate most of the area as wetlands to re-
main in its natural state. Exceptions to this general rule would
include residential uses in Venetian Isles, recreational uses in
the Irish Bayou area, an industrial strip between U. S. Highway 90
and Bayou Sauvage, and other marine commercial and industrial de-
velopment. Another significant proposal which will affect the
area's status is the concept of a major turning basin and ship
anchorage approximately where the MR-GO meets the GIWW. This an-
chorage may prove vital to the operations of the Port of New Or-
leans and, as such, has the support of the CZM Advisory Committee.

Two potential particular areas have been identified in this unit.
One is Point-aux-Herbes in the northern most section and the other
is the Venetian Isles Marsh between Bayou Sauvage and the GIWW.

Implications for Future Land Use

1. The population of this District remains small.

2. Because the area is outside of the hurricane protection levee
system, the threat of flooding places contraints upon develop-
ment.

3. Soils in the district are organic marsh types, except immedi-
ately adjacent to U. S. Highway 90, which is located on the
Bayou Sauvage ridge, and have severe subsidence potential,
posing special development constraints.

4. Wetlands within the District, especially those adjacent to Lake
Pontchartrain, are in relatively good condition and function as
habitat for numerous species of fish and wildlife.

5. The City's Coastal Zone Management Plan recognizes the ecologi-
cal and recreational value of the wetlands within this District
and recomm ends that such wetlands be preserved in their natural
state to the maximum extent practicable.

GOAL: To preserve viable wetlands in recogni;ion of their eco-
logical and recreational value.

Objectives:

a. To establish land use and control measures that would
allow uses that are compatible with and would minimally
impact wetland areas, while prohibiting; inappropriate and
environmentally damaging uses.

b. To allow coastal landowners some reasonable use of their
land so as not to cause an unconstitutional taking.

C. To establish performance standards for any use permitted
in wetland areas.

d. To control erosion.

Policies:

a. To create a zoning district within the New Orleans Com-
prehensive Zoning Ordinance that would be applied to
coastal wetlands in a near pristine State. This district
would have'the following purpose: to protect and pre-
serve coastal wetland areas minimally impacted by man.

b. To apply this zoning district to appropriate areas as
identified in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and this
document.

C. To strictly enforce existing housing, building code and
floodplain performance standards.

d. To incorporate the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program's
"Guidelines for Uses-" into the local coastal management
program to insure that these performance standards are
applied to uses of local concern.

e. To minimize new canal development where possible and to
minimize environmental impacts of canal and slip constr,uc-
tion. The following conditions may be required for uses
of local concern and will be the basis for the parish's
recommendations on uses of state concern.

1) Minimize the need for new canals and/or slips by the
use of directional drilling, where possible, in
drilling operations, and the use of existing pipeline
canals for new pipelines, where possible. since dril-
ling barges normally require 8 feet of water draft,
either sweeping out of the proposed barge

route or floating the barge in during high tide is
required. Floating the barge in during high tide is
the preferred technique.

2) When dredging operations are dictated by site condi-
tions, only the minimum amount of dredging.necessary
to accomplish the job should be allowed. Turbidity
screens shall be used during all dredging operations.

3) The deposition of dredged material should be specified
in the permit and should have the following priori-
ties:

a) Where possible, dredged material should be placed
so as to encourage new marsh development (in non-
navigation water areas adjacent to existing marsh.

b) The method of spoil deposition should be decided
on a case-by-case basis. Also, at times, spoil
could be placed in ponds to the elevations of
adjacent marsh and thus create new areas condu-
cive to the establishment of marsh vegetation.

4) In navigable waterways, spoil should be spread so as
not to decrease the water depth by more than 0.5
feet. All logs and stumps unearthed during dredging
operations should be buried beneath the waterway or
removed to a disposal site on land to avoid
underwater obstructions.
5) Spoil banks should be graded, where possible, toavoid
potholes or other fissures which would create mosqui-
to breeding habitat.
6) Stabilization material should be used on areas of se-
vere erosion along canal lengths, preferably revege-
tation with appropriate native plants.

7) Upon abandonment, canals should be plugged using
earthen plugs and rip-rap or other stabilizing
material.

f. In order to minimize the impacts of board road construc-
tion to access oil well sites in wetlands, the following
recommendations shall be made to the State.

1) Culverts should be placed where streams.and sloughs
are crossed by the roadway embankment and at other
locations to promote or maintain sheet flows. The
maximum spacing between culverts should be maintained
so as to allow for free flow of water.

100

2) Broken boards and other extraneous construction
materials should be removed from the site when the
road is abandoned by the permittee. All plastic
sheeting should be removed from areas of the roadway
from which the boards are removed.

9- Mitigation or compensation at off-site locations should
be required for areas to be adversely impacted.

h. Shorelines should be stabilized by methods other than
bulkheading (i.e., rip-rap, matting material or natural
vegetation.)

GOAL: To allow limited port and marine-oriented industrial
development in particular areas.

Objectives:

a. To create a zoning district within the City's Comprehen-
sive Zoning Ordinance that would have the following pur-
pose: to permit limited port and marine-oriented indus-
trial development requiring access to and utilization of
coastal WYT-ers.

b. To establish special development requirements to ensure
that such marine-oriented industrial development will not
Policies: significantly degrade the coastal environment.

a. To apply the special port and marine-oriented industrial
zoning district to appropriate areas as identified in the
Land Use Plan and in this document.

b. To require that significant industrial developments per-
mitted in this district include adequate mitigating fea-
tures to compensate for wetlands modified by development.

C. To strictly enforce building code and floodplain perform-
ance standards.

d. To incorporate the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program's 6.
"Guidelines for Uses" into the local program to ensure
that these performance standards are! applied to uses of
local concern.

101

GOAL: To increase recreational access to and expand water-ori-
I
ented recreational opportunities in the coastal zone for-
residents and visitors.

Objectives:

a. To create a zoning district within the City's Comprehen-
sive Zoning Ordinance that would have the following pur-
pose: to allow the orderly and systematic development of
particular areas suited to marine-oriented recreational
facilities.

b. To establish special development requirements to ensure
that such marine-oriented recreational development will
not significantly degrade the coastal environment.

Policies

a. To apply the special marine-oriented recreational zoning
district to appropriate areas as identified by the Land
Use Plan and this document.

b. To require that significant recreational developments
permitted in this district include adequate mitigating
features to offset environmental damages caused by the
development.

C. To strictly enforce building code and floodplain
performance standards.

d. To incorporate the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program's
"Guidelines for Uses" into the local program to ensure
that these performance standards are applied to uses of
local concern.

Management Unit VIII: Chef Menteur/Rigolets

The Chef iMenteur/Rigolets Management Unit is characterized by
viable wetlands, approximately 27,000 acres, and is an important
fish and wildlife habitat. Since this unit is totally outside the
hurricane protection levee system and is surrounded by major bodies
of water, it usually sustains heavy tidal inundation whenever a
tropical storm passes through the New Orleans area. In addition,
soil types in the unit exhibit severe subsidence characteristics
when drained, and thus are poorly suited for conventional urban
development.

This management unit also contains a potential "particular area" as
previously identified in this report. This is the Chef Menteur
Highway Corridor. This corridor has traditionally been the site of
fishing camps which are primarily occupied on weekends and
holidays.

102

GOAL: To conserve renewable natural resources.

Objectives:

a. To establish land use and control mea sures that would
allow uses that are compatible with and would minimally
impact wetland areas, while prohibiting; uses that are
inappropriate and environmentally damaging.

b. To allow coastal landowners some reasonable use of their
land so as not to cause.an unconstitutional taking.

C. To establish minimum performance standards for any use
permitted in wetland areas.

d. To control erosion

Policies:

a. To create a zoning district with in the City's Comprehen-
sive Zoning Ordinance that would apply to coastal wet-
lands wherein limited uses would be all-owed which would
maintain the nearby wetlands in a near pristine state.
This district would have the following purpose: to
protect and preserve coastal wetland-areas minimally
impacted by man.

b. To apply this zoning district to appropriate areas as
identified in the Land Use Plan and this document.

C. To strictly enforce existing housing, building code and
floodplain performance standards.

d. To incorporate the Louisiana Coastal Resource Program's
"Guidelines for Uses" into the local program to insure
Ied to uses of
that these performance standards are appl
local concern.

e. To minimize new canal dredging where possible, and to
minimize detrimental impacts of new canals and slip con-
struction. The following coftditions may be required for
uses of local concern and will be the basis for the
parish's recommendations on uses of state concern.

1) Minimize the need for new canals and/or slips by the
use 6f directional drilling, where possible, in
drilling operations, and the use of existing pipeline
canals for new pipelines, where possible. Since
drilling barges normally require 8 feet of water
draft, either sweeping out of the Proposed barge
P
route or floating the barge in during high tide is
required. Floating the barge in during high tide is
the preferred technique.

103

2) When dredging operations are dictated by site
conditions, only the minimum amount of dredging
necessary to accomplish the job should be allowed.
Turbidity screens should be used during all
dredging operations-.

3) The deposition of dredged material should be specified
in the permit and should have the following priori-
ties:

a) Where possible, dredged material should be placed
so as to encourage new marsh development (in non
navigation water areas adjacent to existing marsh.

b) In existing marsh, the dredged material should be
placed to maintain natural drainage and nutrient
exchange. Along lengthy canals, spoil should be
deposited leaving at least 50-foot gaps every 500
feet. (This condition is to be used in areas
where salt water intrusion is not a problem.) No
spoil should be placed in marsh ponds or tidal
s
treams.

,T) In navigable waterways, spoil will be spread so as
not to decrease the water depth by more than 0.5
feet. All logs and stumps unearthed during dredging
operations should be buried beneath the waterway or
removed to a disposal site on land to avoid underwater
obstructions.

5) Spoil banks should be graded, where possible, to avoid
potholes or other fissures which would create mosqui-
to breeding habitat.

6) Stabilization material should be used on areas of se-
vere erosion along canal lengths, preferably reve-e-
t@ ;M b
tation with appropriate native plants.

7) Upon abandonment, canals should be plugged using
earthen,plugs and rip-rap or other stabilizing
material.

In order to minimize the impacts of board road construc-
tion to access oil well sites in wetlands, the following
conditions should be met:

1) Culverts should be placed where streams and sloughs
are crossed by the roadway embankment and at other
locations to promote or maintain sheet flows. The
maximum, spacing between culverts should be maintained
so as to allow for free flow of water.

2) Broken boards and other extraneous construction
materials should be removed from the site when the

104

road is abandoned by the permittee. All plastic
sheeting should be removed from areas of the roadway
from which the boards are removed.

3) The road fill placed in wetlands should be degraded
when the location is abandoned. The material should
be deposited into the borrow areas or ditches, and
the area restored to as near preproject conditions
as practical using the material available in.the
road fill.
9. Mitigation, the improvinig of one area of marsh or swamp,
to replace another area destroyed by a use, should be re-
quired as a condition of the permit, depending on the
magnitude of the permitted use and the destruction asso-
ciated with it..

h. Shorelines should be stabilized by methods other than
bulkheading (i.e., rip-rap, matting material or natural
vegetation.)

GOAL: To allow orderly recreational and residential development
in areas of higher elevations near existing access roads
and development.

Objectives:

a. To create a zoning district within the City's Comprehen-
sive Zoning Ordinance that would have the following pur-
pose: to protect and preserve wetland habitats through
careful supervision of adjacent areas subject to increas-
ing activity.

b. To establish performance standards for uses permitted in
recreational and residential areas.

Policies:

a. To apply the recreational and residential zoning district
to the Chef Menteur Highway Corridor as identified in
this report.

b. To strictly enforce existing housing, building code and
floodplain performance standards.

Q. To incorporate the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program's
"Guidelines for Uses" into the local program to insure
that these performance standards are applied to uses of
local concern.

GOAL: To eliminate or reduce pollution of lakes and other water
'S-o-d i es.

105

Objectives:

a To determine which camps can be served by existing sewers
and into which areas sewers can reasonably be extended.

b. To seek state participation in financial provisions for
extension of sewer services.

C. To establish specifications for an incinerator-type
disposal system in areas where sewers cannot be extended.

Policies:

a. To require all camps to hook up to the City's sewerage
system or maintain an incinerator-type disposal system or
other acceptable technology.

b. To amend the Building Code to require all new
construction in coastal wetlands not serviceable by
public sewers to include such a disposal technology.

C. To require all existing structures to be retrofitted with
such facilities.

GOAL: To minimize the cumulative impacts of camp development
and construction.

Objectives:

a. To ensure that adequate open space is maintained between
structures.

b. To allow sunlight to penetrate beneath structures.

C. To limit the disturbance of wetlands during and after
construction.

Policies:

a. To limit lot development to a predetermined percentage of
total lot or tract area.

b. To elevate all construction above flood elevations to
prohibit major restrictions on water flow and allow
sunlight to penetrate underneath the structures.

GOAL: To control shoreline erosion.

Objectives:

a. To reduce destruction of wetlands

b. To abate the reduction of land area dimensions.

106

C. To prevent the loss of archaeological sites.

Policies:

a. To construct artificial barrier islands to prevent shore-
line erosion.

b. To place rip-rap or matting material along shorelines of
rapidly eroding waterways.

C. To divert water from the.Mississippi River to restore
eroding marsh areas.

I
I.
I
I
I PA RT TWO
I
.I
I
I e o c a rogram
I
I
t
I
I
I
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I
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107

THE LOCAL PROGRAM

The Orleans Parish Coastal Management Program is designed to mesh
with and complement the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program. For
this purpose, a Coastal Zone Ordinance has been prepared which will
enable the local government to participate in the state program.
This ordinance establishes the rules and procedures for issuing
local coastal use permits and ennumerates the guidelines to be used
in reviewing permits for uses of state or local concern. The pro-
posed Coastal Zone Ordinance is reproduced in full in a later sec-
tion of this report. The following sections summarize the high-
lights of the ordinance and other pertinent aspects of the local
program.

In designing the local program, three main goals were sought:

1) To utilize the City's existing governmental structure;

2) To issue Coastal Use Permits for uses of local concern;
and

3) To review and comment on uses of state concern.

It is felt that within the proposed Coastal Zone Ordinance these
three goals have been met. The permitting process will be adminis-
tered by the Department of Safety and Permits, while the permit
review responsibility will be shared with the Planning Advisory
Committee and the City Planning Commission. At this time, the
hiring of additional personnel to administer the local program is
not anticipated.

The Permit Process

Once the local program is approved and the Orleans Parish Coastal
Zone Ordinance is passed by the City Council, the City of New
Orleans will commence to issue Coastal Use Permits for uses of
local concern. The Department of Safety and Permits will be the
agency responsible for processing and issuing coastal permits. The
coastal use permitting process will be triggered by the Building
Code, which requires a person to first obtain a permit from the
Department of Safety permits prior to commencing with the "erec-
tion, removal, re-roofing, demolition, alteration, addition or
repair of a building or other structure, or to perform any excava-
tion below lot grade within the City of New Orleans." The building
code has been interpreted to apply to all areas of Orleans Parish,
including the wetlands and water bodies outside the Parish's levee
system. The effect of this ordinance is so broad that it would
cover any use that would normally require a coastal use permit.
During the process of obtaining a building permit a determination
of whether or not a coastal use permit is required will be made by
the permitting agent. This determination, as well as a determina-
tion of whether the proposed use is a use of state or local con-
cern, will be based on the type of use and its location, in accord-
ance with the rules and procedures of the Louisiana Coastal Re-
source Program. (Uses that will normally require coastal use
permits and areas in which activities will nor(nally require coastal
use permits are discussed in later sections of this chapter.)

108

The process of obtaining a builidng permit actually intiates a
series of reviews of the propsed activity to insure compliance with
the many land use controls and construction standards mandated by
the laws of Orleans Parish. A publication produced by the City
Planning Commission entitled Development Guidebook, lists the steps
to be taken and the agencies to be contacted during the process of
obtaining the necessary approvals and permits. (This book, updated
and revised to inclue the coastal use permit process, is enclosed
in a jacket at the end of this document.) In addition to the
guidelines, or performance standards, enumerated in the Orleans
Parish Coastal Zone Ordinance, which are to be applied to uses or
activities requiring coastal use permits, these uses or activities
will also be required to meet other standards mandated by local
laws, such as the Zoning Ordinance, the Floodplain Ordinance and
the Building Code. The effects of these other ordinances are
described in the section "Ordinances to be Included in the Local
Program."

Once a building permit has been applied for, and it has been deter-
mined that a coastal use permit is also requirE@d, the procedure for
obtaining the coastal use permit will be as stated in the Louisiana
Coastal Resources Program and as shown in the chart in Figure 26.

For uses of local concern, the highlights of the permit procedure
are as follows:

1) The Director of Safety and Permits receives an application
for a Coastal Use Permit.

2) The Director makes the initial determination as to whether
the use is of state or local concern and then forwards a
copy of the permit application, along with his
determination, to the Administrator of the state program.

3) The Administrator either concurs with or reverses the
decision of the Director.

4) Public Notice of the permit application is published,
including where to address comments.

5) A comment and review period of twenty-five (25) days
follows publication of Public Notice.

6) During the twenty-five day review period, the Planning
Advisory Committee will review the permit application and
make a recommendation to the Director.

7) At the conclusion of the review period, the Director makes
a decision to either issue or deny thE@ permit or to hold a
public hearing.

= @ m m m m = m = = = m @ m = = m
COASTAL USIE -PIERM@T PROCIESS

PUBLIC NOTICE
OF
PUBLIC
HEARI NO
USES OF STATE CONCERN
301)'N'o
0000 000 000 00 DECISION TO
LA. COASTAL MOMT SECTION ADMINISTRATOR PUBLIC NOTICE ISSUE PERMIT PUBLIC
8 0AYS OF of.PlUffffo DENY PERMIT,
DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCE .10. REVIEWS LOCAL moll, I PERMIT. OR HOLD HEARING
RECEIVES COMPLETED 2 DArS DETERMINATION 'lowwwwww"w" PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION OR COPY OF OF STATE OR APPLICATlION @awo,,, - - --I,
MINIBOOM+, APPLICATION AND INITIAL do.m.po. LOCAL CONCERN ft,,,*
**4b
DETERMINATION OF STATE OR NOTIFIES S a P
LOCAL USE. OF. REVERSAL OR
CONCURRENCE

PERMIT ISSUED
OR
so
DENIED
By CmS

STATE soon %*
APPEALS PROCESSP=w
APPEAL SECRETARY APPEAL
LOCAL DETERMINATION 15 DAYS PNR DECIAION 3 DAY TO
OR REVERSAL ek DISTRICT
APPEALS PROCIESS TO SECRETARY UBLI NOTICE COURT
DNR. P C.

0
PERMIT ISSUED
OR
DENIED -
S&P

S&P PUBLIC
INITIAL DECISION TO HEARING
mommon-111- FILING OF PERMIT DETERMINATION S 5 P NOTIFIED OF /0 DAYS PUBLIC NOTICE R5 DAYS ISSUE PERMIT. CITY PLANNING
2 OF DENY PERMIT COMMISSION
APPLICATION WITH OF STATE OR CMS DETERMINATION PER101 HOLD
SAFETY & PERMITS DAYS LOCACCONCERN USE OF LOCAL tONCERN PERMIT COmAfENr a RmEw OR
PUBLIC HEARING
+Copy OF PROCESSING 13EGINS APPLICATION PUSL C
rHEARIINQ

(ORLEA NS PARISM d I PERMIT

USES OF LOCAL CONCEIR-) N FIGURE 26

109

8) If a decision is made to hold a public hearing, the City
Planning Commission shall conduct the hearing at least
thirty (30) days after notification of the hearing.

9) Upon completion of the public hearing, the City Planning
Commission shall make a recommendation to-the Director,
who will then either issue or deny the permit, within
15 days of the public hearing.

10) Appeals on permit decisions are made to the Secretary.

The above outline is a brief description of the local permit pro-
cess* The requirements for publication of public notice and for
conducting public hearings are consistent with the Louisiana
Coastal Resources Program.

Permit Review

The Planning Advisorv Committee will be the local government body
reviewing coastal use permits for uses of both state and local
concern. This body is extremely well suited for such a task since
it is composed of representatives from all City agencies as well as
some state agencies and public and semi-public corporations. The
Planning Advisory Committee currently advises the City Planning
Commission on various technical matters in such fields as major
street planning, utility extensions, recreation planning and trans-
portation services. The committee also reviews Corps of Engineers
404 permit requests and DNR Coastal Use Permit applications.

The following list itemizes the agencies, boards and corporations
represented on the Planning Advisory Committee.

Planning Advisory Committee

City Council Budget Analyst and Research
City Administration - Chief Administrative Office
Department of Finance
Department of Fire
Department of Law
Department of Police
Office of Planning and Development
Department of Property Management
Department of Recreation
Department of Safety and Permits
Department of Sanitation
Department of- Streets
Department of Utilities
Department of Welfare
Department of Civil Defense
Board of Health
Board of Commissioners Orleans Levee District
Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans
Orleans Parish School Board
Public Library Board

Sewerage and Water Board
.ission
Audubon Park Comm
City Planning Commission
Civil Service Commission
Par*k and Parkway Commission
Public Belt Railroad Commission
Vieux Carre Commission
Housing Authority
Mississippi River Bridge Authority
Community Improvement Agency
Human Relations Committee
Louisiana Power and Light Company
New Orleans Aviation Board
New Orleans Public Service, Inc.
New Orleans Re-location Agency - I
South Central Bell Telephone Company
Total Community Action
Veterans Administration

The review of permit applications will ensure that proposed uses
are in conformance with the guidelines of the Louisiana Coastal
Resources Program and the Orleans Parish Coastal Management
Program.

Uses Requiring Coastal Use Permits

The following shall be considered as uses of state or local concern
subject to coastal use permits:

a. Dredging or filling and discharges of dredged or fill
CP
material.

b. Levee siting, construction, operation and maintenance.

C. Hurricane and flood protection facilities, including the
siting, construction, operation and maintenance of such
facilities.

d. Urban developments, including the siting, construction or
operation of residential, commerical, industrial, and
governmental structures and transportation facilities.

e. Energy development activities, including any siting,
construction, or operation of generating, processing and
transmission facilities, pipeline facilities, and
exploration for and production of oil, natural gas and
geothermal energy,

f. Mining activities, including surface, subsurface, and
underground mining, sand or gravel mining and shell
dredging.

g. Wastewater discharge, including point and non-point
sources.

h. Surface water control or consumption, including marsh
management projects.

i. Shoreline modification projects and harbor structures.

j. Waste disposal activities.

k. Recreational developments, including siting, construction
and operation of public and private recreational
facilities and marinas.

1. Industrial development, including siting, construction, or
operation of such facilities.

M* Any other- :activities or projects that would require a
permit or other form of consent or authorization from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection
Agency or the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.

n. Activities which impact barrier islands, salt domes,
cheniers and beaches.

o. Drainage projects.

Uses of State Concern

The following shall be considered as uses of state concern to be
permitted by the Coastal Management Section of the Department of
Natural Resources:

(a) Any dredge or fill activity which intersects with more
than one water body.

(b) Projects involving use of state owned lands or water
bottoms.

(d) National interest projects.

(e) Projects occurring in more than one parish.

(f) All mineral activities, including exploration for, and
production of oil, gas, and other minerals, all dredge and
fill uses associated therewith, and all other associated
uses.

(g) All pipelines for the gathering, transportation or
transmission of oil, gasand other minerals.

(h) Energy facility siting and development.

(i) Uses of local concern which may significantly affect
interests of regional, state or national concern.

112

Uses of Local Concern

The following shall be considered as uses of local concern to be
permitted by the Department of Safety and Permits of the City of
New Orleans.

(a) Privately funded projects which are not uses of state
concern.

(b) Publicly funded projects which are not uses of state
concern.

(d) Jetties or breakwaters.

(e) Dredge or fill projects not intersecting more than one
water body.

(f) Bulkheads.

(g) Piers

(h) Camps and cattlewalks

(i) Maintenance dredging.

(j) Private water control structures of less than $15,000 in
cost.

(k) Uses on cheniers, salt domes, or similar, land forms.

Areas that Will Normally Require Permits:

Coastal Use Permits will normally be required for uses occurring in
all coastal waters and wetlands in Orleans Parish.. Figure 27,
"Areas Normally Requiring Coastal Use Permits," indicates the gen-
eral areas that require coastal permits. For p3@actical purposes,
this will include all areas outside the levee system of Orleans
Parish. The exception, where no coastal use permit will be requir-
ed outside the levees, includes activities in sites within identi-
fied transition areas above 5 feet MSL, where no significant and
direcE-impacts are expected from the proposed pro-ject. Furthermore,
deepwater ports are exempted from coastal use permits under Section
213.13 of the Coastal Resource Management Act of 1978. Activities
proposed within fastlands, expected to have a direct and significant
impact upon coastal waters require a coastal use permit. This does
not include existing pumpage of water from faStlELnds-for drainage
purposes. (Future pumpage of water may require a permit.) Coastal
waters shall include, but not be limited to:

Lake Pontchartrain
Lake St. Catherine
Chef Menteur Pass
The Rigolets
Unknown Pass

jer,"7 1

,It,

'All

to
X-4

12 90

L E

Ulu

APPOORt"All SCALS 10 MIC611 Ulm=

AREAS NORMALLY REQUIRING COASTAL USE

113

Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
Inner Harbor Navigation Canal
Mississippi River'.
BayoU Bienvenue
Bayou Sauvage
Irish Bayou
Numerous other bayous, lakes, ponds and tidal streams with measur-
able seawater content shall be considered coastal waters for per-
mitting purposes.
Coastal wetlands shall include the tidal marsh in Management Units
V (Viavant), VII (New Orleans East/Special) and VIII (Chef Menteur
Pass/Rigolets).

Transitional Areas
Uses occurring in transitional areas may or may not require coastal
use permits depending on the type of use and its specific location.
Uses in transitional areas in the Coastal Zone lying above 5 feet
MSL will generally not require a permit unless it is determined that
there will be a direct and significant impact on Coastal Waters.
Uses below 5,feet MSL will require a permit.

Fastlands

Uses occurring in fastlands will normally not be required to obtain
coastal use permits. There are exceptions, however. Uses which
occur within fastlands that will have direct and significant im-
pacts on coastal waters or wetlands will have to obtain permits for
that part of the use affecting the coastal zone. An example would
be a large, new subdivision with runoff into coastal waters. The
discharge of stormwater into coastal waters would require a permit.
Another example would be a large new industrial facility with
wastewater discharges. The point source of wastewater discharge
into coastal waters would require a coastal use permit.

Existing Ordinances Regulati*riq'Activities inthe Coastal Zone.

As described throughout the text of this report, there are numerous
City ordinances that give the City effective control of activities
occurring-in the coastal zone. The most important of these are the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, the Building Code and.the Flood-
plain Ordinance.

Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

The City of New Orleans has recently finalized its Comprehensive
Land Use Plan. This plan anticipates the land use needs of the
population of the City during forthcoming decades and serves as a
guide for orderly development and provision of public services,
roads, parks and open spaces, servitudes, schools, and subdivision
location, design, and density, etc. The Land use Plan is imple-
mented by means of the Comprehensive Zoning Orlinance. The purpose

114

of this Ordinance is to encourage and promote, in accordance with
present and future needs, the safety, morals, health, order, con-
venience, prosperity, and general welfare of the citizens of the
City of New Orleans and to provide for efficiency and economy in
the process of development, for the appropriate and best use of
land, for preservation, protection, development, and conservation
of the natural resources of land, water@, and air, for convenience
of traffic and circulation of people and goods, for the use and
occupancy of buildings, for healthful and convenient distribution
of population, for adequate public utilities and facilities, for
promotion of the civic amenities of beauty and visual interest, for
preservation and enhancement of historic buildings and places, for
promotion of large-scale developments as means of achieving unified
civic design, and for development in accord with the Comprehensive
Plan by establishing zoning districts and by regulating the loca-
tion and use of buildings, signs and other structures, water and
land for agriculture, trade, industry, and residence, by regulating
and limiting or determining the height, bulk, and access to light
and air of buildings and structures, the area of yards and other
open spaces and the density of use. To accomplish these objec-
tives, the regulations and districts have been designed with rea-
sonable consideration, among other things, to the character of the
districts and their peculiar suitability for particular uses.

The effect of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance is to make the
Orleans Parish Coastal Management Program somewhat more restrictive
than the state's plan, since the Zoning Ordinance limits the loca-
tion of many uses and activities to certain districts while also
setting limits on the amount of a site that can be developed. A
close reading of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance is necessary to
understand the complex set of standards applicable to each zoning
district.

Building Code

While the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance translates planning con-
cepts and principles into law, the administration and enforcement
of these laws are vested in the Building Code. The Building Code,
by requiring that a permit be obtained for any significant con-
struction or operation involving physical structures or facilities
in Orleans parish, initiates the permit process that will include
coastal use permits, where necessary. The process for obtaining a
building permit requires a series of reviews to insure that the
proposed use is in conformance with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordi-
nance and other City ordinances, while at the same time setting
standards for the cosntruction and operation of the proposed use.
As mentioned on page 61, the Orleans Building Code is the most com-
prehensive building code in effect in coastal Louisiana, stiffer in
many respects than the Southern Standard Code. This is because New
Orleans has had a long history of encountering and solving problems
associated with construction in coastal areas.

115

The Floodplain Ordinance
There currently exists a municipal ordinance that directly and sig-
nifigantly affects activities in the coastal zone of Orleans Par-
ish. -This is Chapter 32 of the City Code (Ord. 1328) M.C.S.,
referred @to as the Floodplain Ordinance. Originally passed in
1974, this ordinance designates areas.of the City according to
their flood potential through maps and criteria developed by the
Flood Insurance Administration. The significance of this as regards
coastal management is that all of the area in eastern New Orleans
outside the hurricane protection system is classified as Coastal
High Hazard Area with Velocity. The Ordinance determines techniques
and standards to be used in construction within this district, the
most important of which are that the first floor elevation of any
new structure must be at or above the project storm level and that
the use of fill to reach this elevation is prohibited.

This, in essence, dictates that new construction shall be on
pilings, which would allow water to flow through, minimizing dai
durin" 0 nage
. g storms from wind driven water and also maintaining the marsh
as a water storage area.

The effect of this ordinance is to discourage new development in
coastal floodplains, since the first floor elevation requirements
would make many developments prohibitively expensive. Those pro-
jects that are constructed will, because of this law, maintain
natural water flow patterns beneath the structure.

The Corps of Engineers is currently remapping the flood districts
;0
in Orleans Parish to take into account the "splash effect" associ-
ated with wind driven water during hurricanes. This re-evaluation
will likely result in increased standards for first floor eleva-
tions in Coastal High Hazard Areas With Velocity'.

Administrative Arrangements

As stated at the outset of this chapter, one of the goals sought in
designing the local program was to utilize the City's existing gov-
ernmental structure to the maximum extent possible. This is be-
cause New Orleans is fortunate to have, in plaCEI, administrative
procedures for processing, reviewing and issuing permits for a, Wide
variety of activities occurring throughout the Parish, including
coastal waters and wetlands. Three City organiZations play impor-
tant roles in the permit process. They are the Department of Safe-
tY and Permits, the Planning Advisory Committee and the City Plan-
ning Commission. Through the years, these bodies have developed
sufficient expertise to make decisions on many issues of concern to
coastal management planning. It is these agencies that review
Corps of Engineers permit applications and COMME.@nt on them by send-
ing either letters of objection or no objection., They will perform
a similar role in the coastal use permitting process. A brief
description of th.ese agencies and their responsibilities follows.

116

Department of Safety and Permits

Head: Director of Safety and Permits

Organization: Three departmental boards for examining and licens-
ing: the Board of Electrical Examiners, the Board of Mechanical
Examiners, and the Board of Examiners of Operating Engineers. Mem-
bers are appointed by the mayor with Council approval.

Two autonomous boards are attached to the department. Each is
composed of five members appointed by the Mayor with Council ap-
proval. The Board of Zoning Adjustments serves as an appeal board
for applicants who have been denied a variance from the Comprehen-
sive Zoning Ordinance. The Board of Building Standards and Appeals
hears appeals on all matters pertaining to design, construction,
alteration', and demolition of buildings, and hears appeals if there
is an alleged error in the enforcement of building regulations.
Relief from decision by these boards is through the Civil District
Court.

Divisions of the department are Building Inspection, Electrical
Inspection, Mechanical Inspection, Plan Processing, Housing
Improvement, Central Relocation, Motor Vehicle Inspection. The
department has 204 employees.

Funds: City General Fund

Function: To enforce ordinances regulating building trades except
plumbing; enforce the Minimum Housing Ordinance for housing in
serious need of repair; inspect motor vehicles; deal with other
agencies involved in issuing a building permit, such as the City
Planning Commission, Sewerage and Water Board, Department of
Utilities.

City Planning Commission

Membership: 9 members appointed by Mayor with Council's approval.

Organization: Commission appoints Director-Secretary and Assistant
Director; 26 employees.

Funds: City General Fund

Function: To adopt and administer comprehensive city plan; make
recommendations to City Council regarding zoning, land use, and the
use of public property. To prepare Capital Budget Program based on
a Master Plan. The Master Plan includes streets, bridges, and
waterways; parks and open spaces; public buildings and structures;
public utilities and terminals; public housing, redevelopment, and
slum clearance; sewerage and drainage; transportation; and neigh-
borhood plans.

117

Functional organization includes administrative division; advance
planning division for long-range (5-20 years) comprehensive
planning; project planning division for short-range (1-5 years)
planning; specific project planning division including capital
project programming. There is a planning services division for
administrative matters, including processing petitions for zoning
changes, subdivisions and the review of various proposed public
housing projects and proposed ordinances. A federal programs
division arranges for participation in federally assisted planning
programs (Community Renewal Program, open space acquisition,
Cultural Center project, etc.).

Planning Advisory Committee

A 50 member Planning Advisory Committee is composed of representa-
tives from the Mayor's and CAO's offices, most of the city depart-
ments and boards, and parish, state and federal agencies. (A com-
plete listing of the organizations represented is shown in the sec-
tion "Permit Review"). The Planning Advisory Committee was created
as part of the "Interim Review Process" which allows the multi-
farious government organizations operating in the Parish to keep
abreast of developemnts and to comment and advise the Planning
Commission and the Department of Safety and Permits on issues in
which they have expertise.

These three organizations will play important roles in the coastal
use permitting process. The Department of Safety and Permits will
process the permit applications, making sure that the proposed
activity conforms to all LCRP standards as well as other local
requirements. The City Planning Commission will advise perrait
applicants on the requirements of the Coastal Management Program
and conduct Public Hearings on permit applications, when necessary.
The Planning Advisory Committee will advise the other two groups by
reviewing local permit applications and by Commenting on uses of
state concern.

Multi-Parish Environmental Considerations

Permit decisions or management projects in Orleans Parish may fror.1
time to time affect a neighboring parish. If Orleans Parish re-
ceives approval of its local program, however, these occurrences
should be rare. No particular arrangements for considering uses
k=1
that may affect neig hboring parishes have been -"Lncluded in the
local prograin for two reasons:

1) Uses of such magnitude as to effect more t1han one parish
will automatically be considered uses of state concern,
and will not be permitted at the local level.

2) The public notice requirements of both the state and local
program give neighboring parishes adequate information and
time to comment on proposed uses.

118

Additionally, in an effort to coordinate management efforts among
neighboring parishes, Orleans Parish strongly supports efforts to
create Special Areas for the Port of New Orleans and the Lake
Pontchartrain Basin. Formation of these Special Management Areas
would provide a context for regional planning and coordination.

Regional, State or National Interests

Act 361 and the FEIS/LCRP require that local governments develop
11special procedures and methods for considering uses within special
areas, uses of greater than local benefit, and uses affecting the
state and national interests."

Uses of federal and regional concern are described in Chapter VI of
the FEIS, as well as how the national and regional interests were
considered in the development and implementation of the LCRP.

Tables 13 and 14 from the LCRP/FEIS provide a listing of the
facilities and resources which have a national interest.

The CZMA requires that state programs be able to prevent local
governments from unreasonably'restricting uses of regional benefit,
stating that:

... the program must provide for a method.of assuring that
local land and water use regulations within the coastal
zone do not unreasonably restrict or exclude land and
water uses of regional benefit.

"Unreasonable" shall mean that which would constitute arbitary,
capricious or confiscatory action as defined in the jurisprudence
involvina zoning and land use regulations.

A "use of regional benefit" is a use which beneficially affects
more than one parish or has beneficial interstate effects, and
which has direct and significant impacts on coastal waters. Uses-
of regional benefit would include the following:

1) Interstate natural gas transmission pipelines.

2) Major state or federal transportation facilities such as
highways and expressways.

3) Major state or federal transportation facilities such as
deepwater ports and navigation projects.

4) Public wildlife and fisheries management projects.

5) Public utility or cooperative energy generating plants.

6) State parks and beaches and other state owned recreational
facilities.

119

TABLE 13

NATIONAL INTEREST FACILITIES

National defense and aerospace ...... Military bases and installa-
tions; defense manufacturing
facilities aerospace facili-
ties.

Energy production and
transmission ........................ Oil and gas rigs, storage,
Storage, distribution and
transmission facilities;
power plants; deep-water
ports; Liquefied natural gas
facilities geothermal facil-
ities; coal mining facil-.
ties.

Recreation .......................... National seashores, parks,
forests; large and outstand-
ing beaches and recreation-
al waterfronts.

Transportation ...................... Interest highways, rail-
roads; airports; ports; aids
to navigation including
Coast Guard Stations.

TABLE 14

RESOURCES IN WHICH THERE IS A NATIONAL INTEREST

Air and Water Quality

Wetlands and Endangered Species

Flood Plains and Barrier Islands

Historic and Cultural Resources

Fisheries and Other Living Marine Resources

DRAFT COASTAL ZONE ORDINANCE

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS

CITY HALL

CALENDAR NO.

NO: MAYOR COUNCIL SERIES

BY:

AN ORDINANCE to adopt a Chapter 70 of Ordinance No. 828

M.C.S., known as the Code of City of New Orleans relative to

coastal zone management.

SECTION 1. THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS HEREBY

ORDAINS, That Chapter 70 of Ordinance No. 828 M.C.S., known as

the Code of the City of New Orleans, is hereby ordained to

read as follows:

ChAPTEH 70

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

Article I Purpose of Chapter

0-2

Article II Definitions

Article III Coastal Use Permits Required

Article IV Activities Not Requiring Permits

'Article V Determination of Uses of State or

Local Concern

Article VI Permit Application, Issuance and

Denial

Article VII Modifications, Suspensions or

Revocations

Article VIII General Permits

Artic le IX Conflict of Coastal Zone Ordinance

with Other Ordinances

ARTICLE I. PURPOSE OF CHAPTER

Section 70-1. Purpose of Chapter

The principal purpose of this regulation is to provide the 0-3

authorities and procedures for implementing a unified coastal use

permitting process. This regulation is based on the policies,

guidelines and procedures set forth in Act 361 of the Louisiana

Legislature, in the Final Environmental Impact Statement of the

Louisiana Coastal Resources Program, and the Orleans Parish Coastal

Zon e Management Plan. This regulation provides procedures for

local government determination of what activities require a coastal

use permit, whether the activity is a use of state or local

concern, and the process for the issuance, denial, modification,

suspension and/or revocation of coastal use permits and general

coastal use permits for uses of local concern in Orleans Parish.

ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS Section 70-2. Definitions

When used in this regulation, the following terms shall have

the indicated meaning unless the context clearly indicates

otherwise:

(1) Act: Act 361 of the 1978 Louisiana Legislature (P.L.

49:213.1-213.21)

(2) Administrator: The Administration of the Coastal

Management Section within the Louisiana Department of

Natural Resources

(3) After-the-Fact Permits: A coastal use permit which is

issued after the commencement of a use. Such a permit

may only be issued after all legal issues resulting from

the commencement of a use without a coastal use permit

have been resolved.

0-4

(4) Alterations of Waters Draining in Coastal Water -those

uses or activities that would alter, change, or introduce

polluting substances into runoff and thereby modify the

quality of coastal waters. Examples include water

control impoundments, upland and water management

programs, and drainage projects from urban, agricultural

and industrial developments.

(5) Approved Local Program: A local coastal management
program which has been and continues to be approved by

the Secretary purs uant to 213.9 of the Act. Also

referred to as "local program."

(6) Best Practical Techniques - best practical techniques

shall mean those methods or techniques which would result

in the greatest possible minimization of the adverse

impacts listed in Guideline 1.7 and in specific

guidelines applicable to the proposed use.

Those methods or techniques shall be the best methods or

techniques which are in use in the industry or trade or

among practitioners of the use, and which are feasible

and practical for utilization.

(7) Coastal Use Permit: A permit required by S213.11 of the
Act. The term does not mean or refer to, and is in

addition to, any other permit or approval required or
established pursuant to any other constitutional

provision or statute.

0-5

(8) Coastal Water Dependent uses - those which must be

carried out on, in or adjacent to coastal water areas or

wetlands because the use requires access to the water

body or wetland or requires the consumption, harvesting

or other direct use of coastal resources, or requires the

use of coastal water in the manufacturing or

transportation of goods. Examples include surface and

subsurface mineral extraction, fishing, ports and

necessary supporting commercial and industrial

facilities, facilities for the construction, repair and

maintenance of vessels, navigation projects, and fishery

processing plants.

(9) Coastal Waters: Those bays, lakes, inlets, estuaries,

rivers, bayous, and other bodies of water within the

boundaries of the coastal zone which have measurable

seawater content (under normal weather conditions over a

period of years.)

(10) Coastal Zone:

a) "Coastal Zone" shall mean the coastal waters and

adjacent shorelands within the boundaries of the

coastal zone established in.Section 213.4 of the

Act, which are strongly influenced by each other,

and in proximity to the shorelines, and uses of

which have a direct and significant impact on

coastal waters.

0-6

(11) Commission: The Louisiana Coastal Commission

(12) Department: The Louisiana Department of Natural

Resources.

(13) Development Levees - those levees and associated water

control structures whose purpose is to allow control of

water levels within the area enclosed by the levees to

facilitate drainage or development within the leveed

areas. Such levee systems also commonly serve for

hurricane or flood protection, but are not so defined

for purposes of these guidelines.

(14) Direct and Significant Impact: A modification or

alteration in the physical or biological characteris-

tics of coastal waters which results from an action or

series of actions caused by man.

(15) Director: The Director of the Department of Safety and

Permits of the City of New Orleans or his designated

representative.

(16) Fastlands: Lands surrounded by publicly owned, main-

tained or otherwise validly existing levees or natural

formations as of January 1, 1979, or as may be lawfully

constructed in the future, which levees or natural

formations would normally prevent activities, not to

include the pumping of water for drainage purposes,

within the surrounded area from having direct and sig-

nificant impacts on coastal waters. Wetlands may be

found within the boundaries of fastlands.

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(17) Feasible and Practical - those locations,, methods and/or

practices which are of established usefulness and

efficiency and allow the use or activity to be carried

out successfully.

(18) Guidelines: Those rules and regulations adopted

pursuant to �213.8 of the Act.

(19) Hurricane or Flood Protection Levees - those levees and

associated water control structures whose primary purpose

is to prevent occasional surges of flood or storm

generated high water. Such levee systems do not include

those built to permit drainage or development of enclosed

wetland areas.

(20) Hydrologic and Sediment Transport Modifications - those

uses and activities intended to change water circulation,

direction of flow, velocity, level, or quality or

quantity of transported sediment. Examples include

locks, water gates, impoundments, jetties, groins, fixed

and variable weirs, dams, diversion pipes, siphons,

canals, and surface and groundwater withdrawals.

(21) Impoundment Levees - those levees and associated water

control structures whose primary purpose is to contain

water within the levee system either for the prevention

of the release of pollutants, to create fresh water

reservoirs, or for management of fish or wildlife

resources.

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(22) Levees - any use or activity which creates an embankment
to control or prevent water movement, to retain water or

other material, or to raise a road or other lineal use

above normal of flood water levels. Examples include

levees, dikes and embankments of any sort.

@23) Linear Facilities - those uses and activities which

result in creation of structures or works which are

primarily linear in nature. Examples include pipelines,

roads, canals, channels, and powerlines.

(24) Local Government:. The Council of the City of New
Orleans and its authorized agencies.

(25) Minerals - oil, gas, sulfur, geothermal, geopressured,

salt, or other naturally occurring energy or chemical

resources which are produced from below the surface in

the coastal zone. Not included are such surface

resources as clam or oyster shells, dirt, sand, or

gravel.

(26) Oil, Gas and Other Mineral Activities - those uses and

activities which are directly involved in the

exploration, production, and refining of oil, gas and

other minerals. Examples include geophysical surveying,

establishment of drill sites and access to them,

drilling, on site storage of supplies, products and waste

materials, production, refining, and spill cleanup.

(27) Permit: A coastal use permit.

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(28) Permitting Body: Either the Louisiana Department of

Natural Resources (Coastal Management Section) or the

New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits, as

appropriate.

(29) Person: Any individual, partnership, association,

trust, corporation, public agency or authority or

governmental body.

(30) Public Hearing: A hearing announced to the public at

least 30 days in advance, at which all interested

persons shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to

submit data, views or arguments, orally or in writing.

At the time of the announcement of the public hearing

all materials pertinent to the hearing, including

documents, studies, and other data, in the possession of

the party calling the hearing, must be made available to

the public for review and study. As similar materials

are subsequently developed, they shall be made available

to the public as they become available to the party

which conducted the hearing.

(31) Radioactive Wastes - wastes containing source, special

nuclear, or by-product material as defined by the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954, as amended (68 Stat. 923).

(32) Safety & Permits: Department of Safety and Permits,

City of New Orleans.

(33) Secretary: The Secretary of the Department of Natural

Resources.

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(34) Sediment Deposition Systems - controlled diversions of

sediment-laden water in order to initiate land building

or sediment nourishment or to minimize undesirable

deposition of sediment in navigation channels or habitat

areas. Typical activities include diversion channels,

jetties, groins, or sediment pumps.

(35) Shoreline Modifications - those uses and Activities

planned or constructed with the intention of directly or

indirectly changing or preventing change of a shoreline.

Examples include bulkheading, piers, docks, wharves,

slips and short canals, and jetties.

(36) Spoil Depositon - the deposition of any excavated or

dredged material.

(37) Surface Alterations - those uses and activities which

change the surface or usability of a land area or water

bottom. Examples include fill deposition, land

reclamation, beach nourishment, dredging (primarily

areal), clearing, draining, surface mining, construction

and operation of transportation, mineral, energy and

industrial facilities, and industrial, commercial and

urban developments.

(38) Use: Any use or activity within the coastal zone which

has a direct and significant impact on coastal waters.

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(39) Waste Disposal - those uses and activities which involve

the collection s, storage and discarding or disposing of'

any solid.or liquid material. Examples include

littering; landfill; open dumping; incineration;

industrial waste treatment facilities; sewerage

treatment; storage in pits, ponds or lagoons; ocean

dumping and subsurface disposal.

(40) Water or Marsh Management Plan - a systematic development

and control plan to improve and increaes biological

productivity, or to minimize land loss, saltwater

intrusion, erosion or other such environmental problems,

or to enhance recreation.

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ARTICLE III. Coastal Use Permits Required

Section 70-3. Coastal Use Permits Required

It shall be unlawful to proceed with any use of state or local

concern within the coastal zone of Orleans Parish without a valid

coastal use permit unless the activity is exempted from permitting

by the Act or by provisions within this chapter.

Section 70-4. Permit Applications

The Department of Safety and Permits has been designated as

the review agency for coastal use permits in Orleans Parish and

applications for such permits can be obtained from that office.

Section 70-5. Uses Requiring Coastal Use Permits

The following shall be considered as uses of state or local

concern subject to the requirements Of Section 70-3 above:

a. Dredging or filling and discharges of dredged or fill

material.

b. Levee siting, construction, oepration and maintenance.

C. Hurricane and flood protection facilities, including the

siting, construction, operation and maintenance of such

facilities.

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d. Urban developments, including the siting, construction or

operation of residential, commercial, industrial, and

governmental structures and transportation facilities.

e. Energy development activities, including any siting,

construction, or operation of generating, processing and

transmission facilities, pipeline facilities, and exploration

for and production of oil, natural gas and geothermal energy.

f. Mining activities, including surface, subsurface, and

underground mining, sand or gravel mining and shell dredging.

9. Wastewater discharge, including point and non-point sources.

h. Surface water control or consumption, including marsh

management projects.

i. Shoreline modification projects and harbor structures.

j. Waste disposal activities.

k. Recreational developments, including siting, construction and

operation of public and private recreational facilities and

marinas.

1. Industrial development, including siting, construction, or

operation of such facilities.

M. Any other activities or project s that would require a permit

or other form of consent or authorization from the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency or the

Louisiana Department of Natural Res ources.

n. Activities which impact barrier islands, salt domes, cheniers

and beaches.

0. Drainage projects.

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Section 70-6. Permits issued in lieu of Coastal Use Permits

Coastal Use Permits shall not be required for the location,

drilling, exploration and production of oil, gas, sulphur and other

minerals subject to regulation by the office of Conservation of the

Department of Natural Resources as of January 1, 1979. The

parameters and procedures of the in-lieu permit process are as

provided for under existing Memorandum of Understanding between the

Coastal Management Section and the Office of Conservation and the

rules and procedures of the Office of Conservation.

ARTICLE IV. Activities Not Requiring Coastal Use Permits

Section 70-7. Activities Not Requiring Coastal Use Permits

A. General

(1) The following activities normally do not have direct and

significant impacts on coastal waters; hence a coastal

use permit is not required.

(a) Agricultural, forestry, and aquaculture activities

on land consistently used in the past for such

activities.

(b) Hunting, fishing, trapping, and the preservation of

scenic-historic, and scientific areas and wildlife

preserves.

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including emergency repairs of damage caused by

accident, fire, or-the elements.

(d) Construction of a residence or camp.

(e) Construction and modification of navigational aids

such as channel markers and anchor buoys.

(f) Activities which do not have a direct and

significant impact on coastal waters.

Section 70-8. Activities on Lands Five Feet or more above Sea

Level or Within Fastlands

(1) Activities occurring wholly on lands five feet or

more above sea level or within fastlands do not

normally have direct and signficant impacts on

coastal waters. Consequently, a coastal use permit

for such uses generally need not be applied for.

(2) However, if a proposed activity exempted from

permitting in Subsection 8(l), above is deter-

mined by the Secretary of DNR to have a direct and

significant impact on coastal waters or will result

in discharges into coastal waters, or significantly

@hange existing water flow into coastal waters,

then the person proposing the activity shall

notify the Director and provide such information

regarding the proposed activity as may be required

by the Director in deciding whether the activity

is a use subject to a coastal permit.

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(3) Should it be found that a particular activity

exempted by Subsection 8(1) above may have a direct

and significant impact on coastal waters, the

Director may conduct such investigation as may be

appropriate to ascertain the facts and may require

the persons conducting such activity to provide

appropriate factual information regarding the

activity so that a determination may be made as to

whether the activity is a use subject to a permit.

(4) The Director or the Secretary shall determine

whether a coastal use permit is required for a

particular activity. A coastal use permit will be

required only for those elements of the activity

which have direct and significant impacts on coastal

waters.

(5) The Secretary's decision whether an activity subject

to this section requires a coastal use permit shall

be appealable to the Secretary pursuant to

the provisions of S213.11(D) of the Act and the

regulations adopted pursuant thereto. Provided,

however, that in the event of an appeal to the .

Commission by the person conducting or proposing to

conduct the activity, the burden of proof shall be

on the Secretary. In the event of an appeal by any

other person, the burden of proof shall be on the

appellant.

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(6) The exemption described in this section shall not

refer to activities occurring on cheniers, salt

domes, barrier islands, beaches and similar

isolated, raised land forms in the coastal zone. It

does refer to natural ridges and levees.

Section 70-9 Emergency Uses

(1) Coastal use permits, are not required in advance for

conducting uses necessary to correct emergency

situations.

(a) Emergency situations are those brought about by

natural or man-made causes, such as storms,

floods, fires, wrecks, explosions, spills,

which would result in hazard to life, loss of

property, or damage to the environment if

immediate corrective action were not taken.

(b) This exemption applies only to those corrective

actions which are immediately required for the

protection of lives, property or the

environment necessitated by [email protected] emerqe@jcy

situation.

(2) Prior to undertaking such e-mergency uses, or as soon

as possible thereafter, the person carrying out the

use shall notify the Director and C'iT7e a brief

description of the emergency use ari@l the necessity

for carryinq it out without a coastral. use permit.

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A verbal or written authorizaiton from the Director shall

be sufficient to carry out the emergency use.

(3) As soon as possible after the emergency situation arises,

any person who has conducted an emergency use shall

report on the mergency use to the Director. A

determination shall be made as to whether the emergency

use will continue to have direct and significant impacts

on coastal waters. If so, the person shall apply for an

after-the-fact permit. The removal of any structure or

works occasioned by the emergency and the restoration of

the condition existing prior to the emergency use may be

ordered if the permit is denied in whole or in part.

Section 70-10. Normal Maintenance and Repair

(1) Normal repairs and the rehabilitation, replacement or

maintenance of existing structures shall not require a

coastal use permit provided that:

(a) The structure or work was lawfully in existence,

currently serviceable, and in active use during the

year preceding the repair, replacement or

maintenance; and,

(b) The repair or maintenance does not result in an

encroachment into a wetland area greater than that

of the previous structure or work; and

or fill activities; and

(d) The repair or maintenance does not result in a

structure or facility that is significantly

different in magnitude or function from the

original.

(2) This exemption shall not apply to the repair or

maintenance of any structure or facility built or

maintained in violation of the coastal management

program.

(3) Coastal use permits will normally authorize periodic

maintenance including maintenance dredging. All

maintenance activities authorized by coastal use permits

shall be conducted pursuant to the conditions established

for that permit. Where maintenance is performed which is

not described in an applicable coastal use permit, it

shall conform to this section.

Section 70-11. Construction of a Residence or Camp

(1) The construction of a residence or a camp shall not

require a coastal use permit provided that:

A. The terms shall refer solely to structures used for

non-commercial and non-profit purposes and which

are commonly referred to as "single family" and not

multiple family dwellings.

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B. The terms shall refer solely to the

construction of one such structure by or for

the owner of the land for the owner's use and

not to practices involving the building of more

than one such structure as in subdividing,

tract development, speculative building, or

recreational community development.

(2) The exemption shall apply only to the construction

of the structure and appurtenances such as septic

fields, out buildings, walkways, gazebos, small

wharves, landings, boathouses, private driveways,

and similar works, but not to any bulkheading or any

dredging or filling activity except for small

amounts of fill necessary for the structure itself

and for the installation and maintenance of septic

or sewerage facilities.

Section 70-12. Navigational Aids

(1) The construction and modification of navigational

aids shall not require a coastal use permit.

(2) The term shall include channel markers, buoys,

marker piles, dolphins, piling, pile cl-usters, etc;

provided that the exemption does not apply to

associated dredge or fill uses or the construction

of mooring structures, advertising signs, platforms,

or similar structures associated with such

facilities. All navigational aids constructed

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pursuant to this section shall conform to United

States Coast Guard standards and requirements.

Section 70-13. Agricultural, Forestry and Aquaculture Activities

(1) Agricultural, forestry and aquacultural activities

on lands consistently used in the past for such

activities shall not require a coastal use permit

provided that:

a. The activity is located on lands or in waters

which have been used on an ongoing basis for

such purposes, consistent with normal

practices, prior to the effective date of the

Act,

b. The activity does not require a permit from the

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and meets federal

requirements for such exempted activities, and,

C. The activity is not intended to, nor will it

result in, changing the agricultural, forestry,

or aquacultural use for which the land has been

consistently used in the past to another use.

(2) The exemption includes but is not limited to normal

agricultural, forestry and aquacultural activities

such as plowing; seeding; grazing; cultivating;

insect control; fence building and repairs; thinning;

harvesting for the production of food, fiber and

forest products; maintenance and drainage of

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existing farm, stock or fish ponds; digging of small

drainage ditches; or maintenance of existing drainage
ditches and farm or forest roads carried odt in

accordnace with good management practices.

Section 70-14. Blanket Exemption

(1) No use or activity shall require a coastal use permit

if:

a. The use or activity was lawfully commenced or

established prior to the implementation of the

coastal use permit process; as per the

requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.

b. The Secretary determines that a use within a

fastland or above 5 feet MSL does not have a

direct or significant impact on coastal waters.; or

C. The Director or Administrator determines one is

not required pursuant to Section 7 of these

rules.

ARTICLE V. Determination as to whether Uses are of State

Concern or Local Concern.

Section 70-15 Filing of Applications with the Department of

Safety and Permits.

(1) The Director shall make the initial determination as to

whether the use is one of state concern or local

concern on all applications filed with the local

government. This determination shall be based on

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the criteria set forth in Sections 70-16, 70-17 and

70-18.

(2) The determination and a brief eXr)lanation of the

rationale behind the determination shall be

forwarded to the Administrator witi-Iin two (2)

working days of receipt of the apparently complete

application.

(3) The administrator shall review the decision and

rationale and shall let it stand or reverse it. if

the Administrator reverses the local decision,

notice, including a brief explanation of the

reationale for tile reversal shall be sent to the

local government within two working days of the

application from the local government.

(4) The appropriate permitting body for tile use, as

determined by the Administrator-, silall thereafter be

responsible for the permit review process. The

Administrator's determination is binding unless

reconsidered and reversed by the Secretary.

Section 70-16 Criteria for Determination

(a) The specific terms of the uses as classified in

the Act,

(b) The relationship of a proposed use to a

particular use classified in the Act,

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either state or local by the Act or the use

overlaps the two classifications, it shall be

of local concern unless it:

1. Is being carried out with state or federal

funds,,

2. Involves the use of or has significant

impacts on state or federal lands, water

bottoms or works,

3. Is mineral or energy development,

production or transporation related,

4. Involves the use of, or has significant

impacts, or barrier islands or beaches or

any other shoreline which forms part of the

baseline for Louisiana's offshore

jurisdiction,

5. Will result in major changes in the

quantity or quality of water flow and

circulation or in salinity or sediment

transport regimens, or

6. Has.significant interparish or interstate

impacts.

Section 70-17 Uses of State Concern

Those uses which directly and significantly affect

coastal waters and which are in need of coastal

management and which have impacts of greater than

local significance or which significantly affect

interests of regional, state, or national concern,

shall be considered uses of state concern. Uses of

state concern shall include, but not be limited to:

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(a) Any dredge or fill activity which intersects with

more than one water body.

(b) Projects involving use of state owned lands or

water bottoms.

(d) National interest projects.

(e) Projects occurring in more than one parish.

M All mineral activities, including exploration for,

and production of oil, gas, and other minerals,

all dredge and fill uses associated therewith, and

all other associated uses.

(g) All pipelines for the gathering, transportation or

transmission of oil, gas and other minerals.

(h) Energy facility siting and development.

M Uses of local concern which May significantly

affect interests of regional, state or national

concern.

Section 70-18 Uses of Local Concern

Those uses which directly and significantly affect

coastal waters and are in need of coastal

management, but are not uses of state concern,

should be regulated primarily at the local level

if the local government has an approved program.

Uses of local concern shall include, but not. be

limited to:

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(a) Privately funded projects which are not uses of

state concern

(b) Publicly funded projects which are not uses of

state concern.

(d) Jetties or breakwaters.

(e) Dredge or fill projects not intersecting more.

than one water body.

(f) Bulkheads.

(g) Piers

(h) Camps and cattlewalks.

(i) Maintenance dredging.

(j) Private water control structures of less than

$15fOOO in cost.

(k) Uses on cheniers, salt domes, or similar land

forms.

Section 70-19 Appeals '

Within 30 days after public notice of the decision, the applicant,

the Secretary of D9R, any affected local government or affected

local, state or federal agency, an "aggrieved person" or any person

adversely affected by a decision may-petition for reconsideration to

the Secretary in writing. The Secretary will render a decision upon

the reconsideration within fifteen days of its receipt. As final

recourse, proceedings for review may be instituted by filling a

petition in the distri.ct court of the parish in which the proposed

use is to be situated within thirty days after mailing of notice of

the final decision by the Secretary or, if a reconsideration is

requested, within thirty days after the decision thereof. The

courts must give the case "preference and priority" and allow

trial de nove at the request of the party.

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ARTICLE VI. Permit Application, Issuance and Denial

Section 70-20 General Requirements

(1) Any person seeking to obtain a coastal use permit is

required to file a completed application. The

Department of Safety and Permits will provide the

application forms and instructions, including

example plats and interpretive assistance, to any

interested party. The staffs of the Department of

Safety and Permits and the City Planning Commission

shall be availale for consultation prior to

submission of an application and such consultation

is strongly recommended. Application forms may be

periodically revised to obtain all information

necessary for review of the proposed project.

(2) Separate applications shall be made for unrelated

projects or projects involving noncontiguous parcels

of property. Joint applications May be made in

cases of related construction involving contiguous

0-28

parcels of property.
Section 70-21 Content of Application

The-application submitted shall contain the same
information required for a permit from the U. S'.

Army Corps of Engineers and such additional

information as the Director determines to be

reasonably necessary for proper. evaluation of an

application.

Section 70-22 Fee Schedule

All fees for permits required under Article III

shall be paid as set forth below except that no

fee for an application that is determined to be

a use of State concern shall be collected, or

if collected shall be returned after such a

determination has been made.

Cost of Item Basic Fee Plus

0-11000 $ 5.00 $3.50 per M or fraction thereof
$ 1,001-10,000 $ 10.00 $3.25 per M or fraction thereof
10,001-30,000 $ 10.00 $3.00 per M or fraction thereof
30,001-100,000 $ 15.00 $2.75 per M or fraction thereof
100,001-200,000 $ 20.00 $2.50 per M or fraction thereof
200,001-500,000 $ 50.00 $2.25 per M or fraction thereof
500,000-over $ 100.00 $2.00 per m or fraction thereof

Where work for which a permit is required by this

Chapter is started, or proceeded with, prior to

obtaining said permit, the fees above specified shall

be increased 100 per cent, but the payment of such

fee shall not relieve any persons from fully

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complying with the requirements of this Chapter in

the execution of ther work, nor from any other

penalties prescribed herein.

Section 70-23 Pfocessing the Application

(1) When an apparently complete application for a permit

is received, the permitting agent shall immediately

assign it a number for identification, acknowledge

receipt thereof, and advise the applicant of the

number assigned to it.

(2) Application processing will begin when an application

that is apparently complete is accepted by the

permitting agent.

(3) Within two (2) working days of receipt of an

apparently complete application by the Department of

Safety and Permits, a copy of the application and all

attachments and the local decision as to whether the

use is one of state or local concern shall be sent to

the Administrator.

(4) Public notice as described in Section 70-24 below,

will be issued within ten (10) days of receipt of an

apparently complete application by the

Administrator.

(5) The Director shall evaluate the pr oposed application

pursuant to Section 70-25 below, to determine the

need for a public hearing.

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(6) The Director, pursuant to Section 70-27 below, shall
either send a draft permit to the applicant for 'acceptance

and signature or send notice of denial to the applicant

within thirty (30) days of the giving of public notice or

within fifteen (15) days after the closing of the record

of-a public hearing, if held, whichever is later.

(7) Public notice of permit decisions shall be given

pursuant to Section 70-24(b) below.

(8) The applicant, the secretary, any affected local

government or affected federal, state, or local

agency, any aggrieved person, or any other person

adversely affected by a coastal use permit

decision may appeal the coastal use permit

decision to the Secretary. An appeal must be

filed in writing within thirty days following

public notice of the final decision and shall be

in accordance with procedures adopted by the

Secretary.

Section 70-24 Public Notice and Consideration of Public Comment

Public notice of the receipt of all apparently complete ap-

plications for coastal use permits shall be given by causing

the publication of notice of the application once in the

official journal of the parish. Notice shall be considered

given upon publication in the official parish journal. The

notice shall set forth that any comments on the proposed

0-31

activity shall be submitted to the Department of

Safety and Permits within twenty-five (25) days from

the date of official journal publication of the

notice.

The Director shall consider comments received in

response to the public notice in its subsequent

actions on the permit applicatio n. Comments received

will be made a part of the official file on the

application. If comments received related to matters

within the special expertise of another governmental

body, the permitting body may seek advice of that

agency. If necessary, the applicant will be given

the opportunity to furnish his proposed resolution or

rebuttal to all objections from government agencies

and other substantive adverse comments before a final

decision is made on the application.

Section 70-25 Public Hearings on Permit Applications

(1) A public hearing may be held in connection with the

consideration of an-application for a new permit and

when it is proposed that an existing permit be

modified or revoked.

(2) Any person may request in writing within the comment

period specified in the public notice that a public

hearing be held to consider material matters at issue

in a permit application. upon receipt of any such

request, the Director shall determine whether the

0-32

issued raised are substantial and there is a valid

public interest to be served by holding a public

hearing.

(3) Public hearing(s) are appropriate when there is

signficiant public opposition to a proposed use,

or-there have been requests from legislators or

from local governments or other local authorities,

or in controversial cases involving significant

economic, social, or environmental issues. The

Director has the discretion to require hearings in

any particular case. Failure of the Director to

hold a hearing on an application may not be

appealed to the Secretary.

(4) If the determination is made to hold a public

hearing, such hearings shall be held by the City

Planning Commission, and said hearing shall be

placed on the calendar of a regularly scheduled

meeting of the Planning Commission, allowing

thirty (30) days for public notice.

(5) If a request for a public hearing has been

received, and the decision is made that no hearing

will be held, public notice of the decision shall

be given.

Section 70-26 Additional Information

(1) If an application is found to be incomplete or

inaccurate after processing has begun, or if it

is determined that additional information from the

0-33

applicant is necessary to assess the application

adequately, processing will be stopped pending

receipt of the necessary changes or information

from the applicant and the processing periods

provided for in Section 70-23(4') or (6) will be

interrupted. Upon receipt of the required changes

or information, a new processing period will

begin.

(2) If the applicant fails to respond within thirty

(30) days to any request or inquiry of the

permitting body, the permitting agent may advise

the applicant that his application will be

considered as having been withdrawn unless and

until the applicant responds within fifteen (15)

days of the date of the letter.

.Section 70-27 Decisions on Permits

(1) The Director will determine whether or not the

permit should be issued. Permits shall be issued

only for those uses found to be consistent with

the Code of the City of New Orleans (Ordinance No.

828 M.C.S., as amended), the New Orleans Building

Code (Ordinance No. 17,525 C.C.S., as amended,)

and the Coastal Use Guidelines enumerated in

Section 70-28. Permit decisions will be made only

after a full and fair consideration of all

information before the permitting body, and shall

represent an appropriate balancing of social,

environmental and economic factors. The Director

shall prepare a short and plain statement explain-

ing the basis for his decision on all applications.

0-34

This statement shall include the Director's

conclusions on the conformity of the proposed use

with the guidelines of the state and local program.

The statement shall be dated, signed, and included in

the record prior to final action on the application.

(2) If the final decision is to issue the permit, the

Director will forward two (2) copies of the draft

permit to the applicant for his signature accepting

the conditions on the permit, along with its findings

on the application. The applicant will return both

signed copies to the Director for signature and

dating by the issuing official. If the final

decision is to deny the permit, the applicant shall

be sent a copy of the statement prepared pursuant to

Subsection (1) above, setting forth the reason(s) for

denial.

(3) Final action on the permit application is the

signature of the issuing official on the permit or

the mailing of the letter notifying the applicant of

the denial.

Section 70-28 Coastal Use Guidelines

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A. GUIDELINES APPLICABLE TO ALL USES

Guideline 1.1 The guidelines must be read in their entirety.
Any proposeT-use may be subject to the requirements of more
than one guideline or section of guidelines and all applicable
guidelines must be complied with.

Guideline 1.2 Conformance with applicable water and air
quality laws-, standards and regulations, and with those other
laws, standards and regulations which have been incorporated
into the coastal resources program shall be deemed in
conformance with the program except to the extent that these
guidelines would impose additional requirements.

Guideline 1.3 The guidelines include both general provisions
applicable all uses and specific provisions applicable only
to certain types of uses. The general guidelines apply in all
situations. The specific guidelines apply only to the
situations they address. Specific and general guidelines
should be interpreted to be consistent with each other. In
the event there-is an inconsistency, the specific shall
prevail.

Guideline 1.4 These guidelines are not intended to nor shall
they be interpreted so as to result in an involuntary
acquisition or taking of property.

Guideline 1.5 No use or activity shall be carried out or
conducted TT-such a manner as to constitute a violation of the
terms of a grant or donation of any lands or waterbottoms to
the State or any subdivision thereof. Revocations of such
grants and donations shall be avoided. . I
Guideline 1.6 Information regarding the following general
factors shall be utilized by the permitting authority in
evaluting whether the proposed use is in compliance with the
guidelines.

a) type, nature and location of use.

b) elevation, soil-and water conditions and flood and
storm
hazard characteristics of site.

C) techniques and materials used in construction,
operation and maintenance of use.

d) existing drainage patterns and water regimes of
surrounding area including flow, circulation,
quality, quantity and salinity; and impacts on
them.

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e) availability of feasible alternative sites or
methods for implementing the use.

f) designation of the area for certain uses as part of
a local program.

g) economic need for use and extent of impacts of use
on economy of locality.

h) extent of resulting public and private benefits.

i) extent of coastal water dependency of the use.

j) existence of necessary infrastructure to support the
use and public costs resulting from use.

k) extent of impacts on existing and traditional uses
of the area and on future uses for which the area is
suited.

1) proximity to and extent of impacts on important
natural features such as beaches, barrier islands,
tidal passes, wildlife and aquatic habitats, and
forestlands.

M) the extent to which regional, state and national
interests are served including the national interest
in resources and the siting of facilities in the
coastal zone as identified in the coastal resources
program.

n) proximity to, and extent of impacts on; special
areas, particular areas, or other areas of
particular concern of the state program or local
programs.

0) likelihood of, and extent of impacts of, resulting
secondary impacts and cumulative impacts.

P) proximity to and extent of impacts on public lands
or works, or historic, recreational or cultural
resources.

q) extent of impacts on navigation, fishing, public
access, and recreational opportunities.

r) extent of compatibility with natural and cultural
setting.

S) extent of long term benefits or adverse impacts.

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Guideline 1.7 It is the policy of the coastal resources
program to avoid the following adverse impacts. To this end,
all uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed,
constructed, operated and maintained to avoid to the maximum
extent practicable significant:

a) reductions in the natural supply of sediment and
nutrients to the coastal system by alterations of
freshwater flow.

b) adverse economic impacts on the locality of the use
and affected governmental bodies.

C) detrimental discharges of inorganic nutrient
compounds and coastal waters.

d) alterations in the natural concentration of oxygen
in coastal waters.

e) destruction or adverse alterations of streams,
wetlands, tidal passes, inshore waters and
waterbottoms, beaches, dunes, barrier islands, and
other natural biologically valuable areas or
protective coastal features.

f) adverse disruption of existing social patterns.

g) alterations of the natural temperature regime of
coastal waters.

h) detrimental changes in existing salinity regimes.

i) detrimental changes in littoral and sediment
transport processes.

j) adverse effects of cumulative impacts.

k) detrimental discharges of suspended solids into
coastal waters, including turbidity resulting from
dredging.

1) reductions or blockage of water flow or natural
circulation patterns within or into an estuarine
system or a wetland forest.

M) discharges of pathogens or toxic substances into
coastal waters.

n) adverse alteration or destruction of archaeological,
historical or other cultural resources.

0) fostering of detrimental secondary impacts in
undisturbed or biologically highly productive
wetland areas.

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P) adverse alteration or destruction of unique or
valuable habitats, critical habitat for endangered
species, important wildlife or fishery breeding or
nursery areas, designated wildlife management or
sanctuary areas, or forestlands.

q) adverse alteration or destruction of public parks,
shoreline access points, public works, designated
recreation areas, scenic rivers, or other areas of
public use and concern.

r) adverse disruptions of coastal wildlife and fishery
migratory patterns.

S) land loss, erosion and subsidence'

t) increases in the potential.-for flood, hurricane or'
other storm damage, or increases in the likelihood
that damage will occur from such hazards.

U) reductions in the long term biological productivity
of the coastal ecosystem.

Guideline 1.8. In those guidelines in which the modifier
11maximum extent practicable" is used, the proposed use is in
compliance with the guideline if the standard modified by the
term is complied with. If the modified standard is not
complied with, the use will be in compliance with the
guideline if the permitting authority finds, after a
systematic consideration of all pertinent information
regarding the use, the site and the impacts of the use as set
forth in guideline 1.6, and a balancing of their relative
significance, that the benefits resulting from the proposed
use would clearly outweigh the adverse impacts resulting from
non-compliance with the modified standard and there are no
feasible and practical alternative locations, methods and
practices for the use that are in compliance with the modified
standard and:

a) significant public benefits will result from the
use, or;
b) the use would serve important regional, state or
national interests, including the national interest
in resources and the siting of facilities in the
coastal zone identified in the coastal resources
program, or;

C) the use is coastal water dependent.

The systematic consideration process shall also result in a
determination of those conditions necessary for the use to be
in compliance with the guideline. Those conditions shall
assure the use is carried out utilizing those locations,
methods and practices which maximize conformance to the
modified standard; are technically, economically,

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environmentally, socially and legally feasible and practical
and-maximize or offset those adverse impacts listed in
guideline 1.7 and in the guideline at issue.
Guideline 1.9 Uses shall to the maximum extent practicable be
designed and carried out to permit multiple concurrent uses
which are appropriate for the location and to avoid
unnecessary conflicts with other uses of the vicinity.
Guideline 1.10 These guidelines are not intended to be, nor
shall they be, interpreted to allow expansion of governmental
authority beyond that established by La. R.S. 49:213.1 through
213.21, as amended; nor shall these guidelines Se interpret
so as to require permits for specific uses legally commenced
or established prior to the effective date of the coastal use
permit program nor to normal maintenance or repair of such
uses.

B. GUIDELINES FOR LEVEES

Guideline 2.1 The leveeing of unmodified or biologically
productive wetlands shall be avoided to the maximum extent
practicable.

Guideline 2.2 Levees shall be planned and sited to avoid
segmentation of wetland areas and systems to the maximum
extent practicable.

Guideline 2.3 Levees constructed for the purpose of
developing or otherwise changing the use of a wetland area
shall be avoided to the maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 2.4 Hurricane and flood protection levees shall be
located at the non-wetland/wetland interface or landward to
the maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 2.5 Impoundment levees shall only be constructed in
wetland areas as part of approved water or marsh management
projects or to prevent release of pollutants.

Guideline 2.6Hurricane or flood protection levee systems shall*
be designed, built and thereafter operated and maintained
utilizing best practical techniques to minimize disruptions of
existing hydrologic patterns, and the interchange of water,
beneficial nutrients and aquatic organisms between enclosed
wetlands and those outside the levee system.

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C. Guidelines For Linear Facilities

Guideline 3.1 Linear use alignments shall be planned to avoid
adverse impacts on areas of high biological productivity or
irreplaceable resource areas.

Guideline 3.2 Linear facilities involving the use of dredging
or filling all be avoided in wetland and estuarine areas to
the maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 3.3 Linear facilities involving dredging shall be
of the minim-um practical size and length.

Guideline 3.4 To the maximum extent practicable, pipelines
shall be installed through the "push ditch" method and the
ditch backfilled.

Guideline 3.5 Existing corridors, rights-of-way, canals, and
streams sh be utilized to the maximum extent practicable
for linear facilities.

Guideline 3.6 Linear facilities and alignments shall be, to
the maximum extent practicable, designed and constructed to
permit multiple uses consistent with the nature of the
facility.

Guideline 3.7 Linear facilities involving dredging shall not
traverse or adversely affect any barrier island.

Guideline 3.8 Linear facilities involving dredging shall not
traverse beaches, tidal passes, protective reefs or other
natural gulf shorelines unless no other alternative exists. if
a beach, tidal pass, reef or other natural gulf shoreline must
be traversed for a non-navigation canal, they shall be
restored at least to their natural condition immediately upon
completion of construction. Tidal passes shall not be
permanently widened or deepened except when necessary to
conduct the use. The best availble restoration techniques
which improve the traversed area's ability to serve as a
shoreline shall be used.

Guideline 3.9 Linear facilities shall be planned, designed,
located and uilt using the best practical techniques to
minimize disruption of natural hydrologic and sediment
transport patterns, sheet flow, and water quality, and to
minimize adverse impacts on wetlands.

Guideline 3.10 Linear facilities shall be planned, designed,
and built using the best practical techniques to prevent bank
slumping and erosion, saltwater intrusion, and to minimize the
potential for inland movement of storm-generated surges.
Consideration shall be given to the use of locks in navigation
canals and channels which connect more saline areas with
fresher areas.

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Guideline 3.11 All non-navigation canals, channels and
ditches whTc-hconnect more saline areas with fresher areas
shall be plugged at all waterway crossings and at intervals
between crossings in order to compartmentalize them. The
plugs shall be properly maintained.

Guideline 3.12 The multiple use of existing canals,
directional drilling and other practical techniques shall be
utilized to the maximum extent practicable to minimize the
number of size of access canals, to minimize changes of
natural systems and to minimize adverse impacts on natural
areas and wildlife and fisheries habitat.

Guideline 3.13 All pipelines shall be constructed in
accordance with parts 191, 192, and 195 of Title 49 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, as amended, and in conformance
with the Commissioner of Conservation's Pipeline Safety Rules
and Regulations and those safety requirements established by
La. R.S. 45:408, whichever would require higher standards.

Guideline 3.14 Areas dredged for linear facilities shall be
backfilled or otherwise restored to the pre-existing
conditions upon cessation of use for navigation purposes to
the maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 3.15 The best practicable techniques for site
restoration and revegetation shall be utilized for all linear
facilities.

Guideline 3.16 Confined and dead end canals shall be avoided
to the,maximum extent practicable. Approved canals must be
designed and constructed using the best practical techniques
to avoid water stagnation and eutrophication.

D. GUIDELINES FOR DREDGED SPOIL DEPOSITION

Guideline 4.1 Spoil shall be deposited utilizing the best
practical F-e-chniques to avoid disruption of water movement,
flow, circulation and quality.

Guideline 4.2 Spoil shall be used beneficially to the maximum
extent prac@Tcable to improve productivity or create new
habitat, reduce or compensate for environmental damage done by
dredging activities, or prevent environmental damage.
Otherwise, existing spoil disposal areas or upland disposal
shall be utilized to the maximum extent practicable rather
than creating new disposal areas.

Guideline 4.3 Spoil shall not be disposed of in a manner
which could result in the impounding or draining of wetlands
or the creation of development sites unless the spoil
deposition is part of an approved levee or land surface
alteration project.

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Guideline 4.4 Spoil shall not be disposed of on marsh, known
oyster or clam reefs or in areas of submersed vegetation to
the maximum extent practicable.
Guideline 4.5 Spoil shall no@ be disposed of in such a manner
as to create a hindrance to navigation or fishing, or hinder
timber growth.

Guideline 4.6 Spoil disposal areas shall be designed and
constructe nd maintained using the best practicable
techniques to retain the spoil at the site, reduce turbidity,
and reduce shoreline erosion when appropriate.

Guideline 4.7 The alienation of state-owned property shall
not result from spoil deposition activities without the
consent of the Department of Natural Resources.

E. GUIDELINES FOR SHORELINE MODIFICATION

Guideline 5.1 Non-structural methods of shoreline protection
shall be u ized to the maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 5.2 Shoreline modification structures shall be
designed an built using best practical techniques to minimize
adverse environmental impacts.

Guideline 5.3 Shoreline modification structures shall be
lighted or marked in accordance with U. S. Coast Guard
regulations, not interefere with navigation, and should foster
fishing, other recreational opportunities, and public access.

.Guideline 5.4 Shoreline modification structures shall be
built usin@_Tbest practical materials and techniques to avoid
the introduction of pollutants and toxic substances into
coastal waters.

Guideline 5.5 Piers and docks and other harbor structures
shall be designed and built using best practical techniques to
avoid obstruction of water circulation.

Guideline 5.6 Marinas, and similar commercial and
recreational developments shall to the maximum extent
practicable not be located so as to result in adverse impacts
on open productive oyster beds, or submersed grass beds.

Guideline 5.7 Neglected or abandoned shoreline modification
structures, piers, docks, mooring and other harbor structures
shall be removed at the owner's expense, when appropriate.

Guideline 5.8 Shoreline stabilization structures shall not be
built for purpose of creating fill areas for development
unless part of an approved surface alteration use.

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Guideline 5.9 Jetties, groins, breakwaters and similar
structures shall be planned, designed and constructed so as to
avoid to the maximum extent practicable downstream land loss
and erosion.

F. GUIDELINES FOR SURFACE ALTERATIONS

Guideline 6.1 Industrial, commercial, urban, residential, and
recreationar-uses are necessary to provide adequate economic
growth and development. To this end, such uses will be
encouraged in those areas of the coastal zone that are
suitable for development. Those uses shall be consistent with
the other guidelines and shall, to the maximum extent
practicable, take place only:

a) on lands five feet or more above sea level or within
fast lands; or

b) on lands which have foundation conditions
sufficiently stable to support the use, and where
flood and storm hazards are minimal or where
protection from these hazards can be reasonably well
achieved, and where the public safety would not be
unreasonably endangered; and

1) the land is already in high intensity of
development use, or

2) there is adequate supporting infrastructure, or

3) the vicinity has a tradition of use for similar
habitation or development

Guideline 6.2 Public and private works projects such as
levees, drainage improvements, roads, airports, ports, and
public utilities are necessary to protect and support needed
development and shall be encouraged. Such projects shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, take place only when:

a) they protect or serve those areas suitable for
development pursuant to Guideline 6.1; and

b) they are consistent with the other guidelines; and

C) they are consistent with all relevant adopted state,
local and regional plans.

Guideline 6.3 BLANK (Deleted)

Guideline 6.4 To the maximum extent practicable wetland areas
shall not be drained or filled. Any approved drain or fill
project shall be designed and constructed using best
practicable techniques to minmize present and future property
damage and adverse environmental impacts.

Guideline 6.5 Coastal water dependent uses shall be given
special consideration in permitting because of their reduced
choice of alternatives.

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Guideline 6.6 Areas modified by surface alteration activities
F_
shall, to t e maximum extent practicable, be revegetted,
refilled, cleaned and restored to their predevelopment
condition upon termination of the use.

Guideline 6.7 Site clearing shall to the maximum extent
practicable be limited to those areas immediately required for
physical development.

Guideline 6.8 Surface alterations shall, to the maximum
extent practicable, be located away from critical wildlife
areas and vegetation areas. Alterations in wildlife preserves
and management areas shall be conducted in strict accord with
the requirements of the wildlife management body.

Guideline 6.9 Surface alterations which have high adverse
impacts on natural functions shall not occur, to the maximum
extent practicable, on barrier islands and beaches, isolated
cheniers, isolated natural ridges or levees, or in wildlife
and aquatic species or spawning areas, or in important
migratory routes.

Guidelines 6.10 The creation of low dissolved oxygen
conditions in the water'or traps for heavy metals shall be
avoided to the maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 6.11 Surface mining and shell dredging shall be
carried ZTu_tutilizing the best practical techniques to
minimize adverse environnment impacts.

GUidelne 6.12 The creation of underwater obstructions which
adversely affect fishing or navigation shall be avoided to the
maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 6.13 Surface alteration sites and facilities shall
be designed, constructed, and operated using the best
practicable techniques to prevent the release of pollutants or
toxic substances into the environment and minimize other
adverse impacts.

Guideline 6.14 To the maximum extent practicable only
material that is free of contaminants and compatible with the
environmental setting shall be used as fill.

G. Guidelines For Hydrologic And
Sediment Transport Modifications

Guideline 7.1 The controlled diversion of sediment-laden
waters to initiate new cycles of marsh building and sediment
nourisment shall be encouraged and utilized whenever such
diversions will enhance the viability and productivity of the
outfall area. Such diversions shall incorporate a plan for
monitoring and reduction and/or amelioration of the effects of
pollutants in the freshwater source.

0-45

Guideline 7.2 Sediment deposition systems may be used to
offset land loss, to create or restore wetland areas or
enhance building characteristics of a development site. Such
systems shall only be utilized as part of an approved plan.
Sediment from these systems shall only be discharged in the
area that the proposed use is to be accomplished.

Guideline 7.3 Undesirable deposition of sediments in
sensitive habitat on navigation areas shall be avoided through
the use of the best preventive techniques.

Guideline 7.4 The diversion of freshwater through siphons and
controlled conduits and channels, and overland flow to offset
saltwater intrusion and to introduce nutrients into wetlands
shall be encouraged and utilized whenever such diversion will
enhance the viability and productivity of the outfall area.
Such diversions shall incorporate a plan for monitoring and
reduction and/or amelioration of the effects of pollutants
present in the freshwater source.

Guideline 7.5 Wat er or marsh management plans shall result in
an overall benefit to the productivity of the area.

Guideline 7.6 Water control structures shall be assessed
separately based on their individual merits and impacts and in
relation to their overall water or marsh management plan of
which they are a part.

Guideline 7.7 Weirs and similar water control structures
shall be designed and built using the best practical
techniques to prevent "cut arounds," permit tidal exchange in
tidal areas, and minimize obstruction of the migration of
aquatic organisms.

Guideline 7.8 Impoundments which prevent normal tidal
exchange and/or the migration of aquatic organisms shall not.
be constructed in brackish and saline areas to the maximum
extent practicable.

Guideline 7.9 Withdrawal of surface and ground water shall
not result in saltwater intrusion or land subsidence to the
maximum extent practicable.

H. GUIDELINES FOR DISPOSAL OF WASTES

Guideline 8.1 The location and operation of waste storage,
treatment, and disposal facilities shall be avoided in
wetlands to the maximum extent practicable, and best practical
techniques shall be used to minimize adverse impacts which may
result from such use.

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Guideline 8.2 The generation, transportation, treatment,
storage aii-d-disposal of hazardous wastes shall be pursuant to
the substantive requirements of the Department of Natural
Resources adopted pursuant to Act 334 of 1978 and approved
pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
P.L. 94-580, and of the Office of Conservation for injection
below surface.

Guideline 8.3 Waste facilities located in wetlands shall be
designed and built to withstand all expectable adverse
conditions without releasing pollutants.

Guideline 8.4 Waste facilities shall be designed and
constructed using best practical techniques to prevent
leaching, control leachate production, and prevent the
movement of leachate away from the facility.

Guideline 8.5 The use of overland flow systems for non-toxic,
bio-degradable wastes, and the use of sump lagoons and
reservoirs utilizing aquatic vegetation to remove pollutants
and nutrients shall be encouraged.

Guideline 8.6 All waste disposal sites shall be marked and,
to the maxiFu-m extent practicable, all components of waste
shall be identified.

Guideline 8.7 Waste facilities in wetlands with identifiable
pollution problems that are not feasible and practical to
correct shall be closed and either removed or sealed, and
shall be properly revegetated using the best practical
techniques.

Guideline 8.8 Waste shall be disposed of only at approved
disposal si s.
Guideline 8.9 Radioactive wastes shall not be temporarily or
permanently disposed of in the coastal zone.

GUIDELINES FOR USES THAT RESULT,IN THE ALTERATION
OF WATERS DRAINING INTO COASTAL WATERS

Guideline 9.1 Upland and upstream water management programs
which affect coastal waters and wetlands shall be designed and
constructed to preserve or enhance existing water quality,
volume, and rate of flow to the maximum extent practicable.
.Guideline 9.2 Runoff from developed areas shall to the
maximum extent practicable be managed to simulate natural
water patterns, quantity, quality and rate of flow.

Guideline 9.3 Runoff and erosion from agricultural lands
shall be minimized through the best practical techniques.

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GUIDELINES FOR OIL, GAS AND OTHER MINERAL ACTIVITIES

Guideline 10.1 Geophysical surveying shall utilize the best
practical techniques-to minimize disturbance or damage to
wetlands, fish and wildlife and other coastal resources.

Guideline 10.2 To the maximum extent practicable, the number
of mineral @Wploration and production sites in wetland areas
requiring flotation access shall be held to the minimum
number, consistent with good recovery and conservation
practices and the need for energy development, by directional
drilling, multiple use of existing access canals and other
practical techniques.

Guideline 10.3 Exploration, production and refining
activities shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be
located away from critical wildlife areas and vegetation
areas. Mineral operations in wildlife preserves and
management areas shall be conducted, in strict accordance with
the requirements of the wildlife management body.

Guideline 10.4 Mineral exploration and production facilities
shall be to the maximum ext6'nt practicable designed,
constructed and maintained in such a manner to maintain
natural water flow regimes, avoid blocking surface drainage,
and avoid erosion.

Guideline 10.5 Access routes to mineral exploration,
production and refining sites shall be designed and aligned so
as to avoid adverse impacts on critical wildlife and
vegetation areas to the maximum extent practicable.

Guideline 10.6 Drilling and production sites shall be
prepared, constructed, and operated using the best practical
techniques to prevent the release of pollutants or toxic
substances into the environment.

Guideline 10.7 All drilling activities, supplies, and
equipment shall be kept on barges, on drilling rigs, within
ring levees, or on the well site.

Guideline 10.8 Drilling ring levees shall to the maximum
extent practicable be replaced with smaller production levees
or removed entirely.

Guideline 10.9 All drilling and production equipment,
structures, and storage facilities shall be designed and
constructed utilizing best practical techniques to withstand
all expectable adverse conditions without releasing
pollutants.

Guideline 10.10 Mineral exploration, production and refining
facilities shall be designed and constructed using best
practical techniques to minimize adverse environmental
impacts.

0-48

Guideline 10.11 Effective environmental protection and
emergency-jr-contingency plans shall be developed and complied
with for all mineral operations.

Guideline 10.12The use of dispersants'. emulsifiers and other
similar chemical agents on oil spills is prohibited without
the prior approval of the Coast Guard or Environmental
Protection Agency On-Scene Coordinator, in accordance with the
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency
Plan.

Guideline 10.13 Mineral exploration and production sites
shall be cleared, revegetated, detoxified and otherwise
restored as near as practicable to their original condition
upon termination of operations to the maximum extent
practicable.

Guideline 10.14 The creation of underwater obstructions which
adversely affect fishing or navigation shall be avoided to the
maximum extent practicable.

Section 70-29 Conditions of Permit

(1) By accepting the permit, the applicant agrees to:

(a) Carry out or perform the use in accordance with

the plans and specifications approved by the

Director.

(b) Comply with any permit conditions imposed by the

Director.

physical evidence of the permitted use if, in

the opinion of the Director, it proves to be

beyond the scope of the use as approved or is

abandoned.

(d) Provide, if required by the Director, an

acceptable surety bond in an appropriate amount

to ensure adjustment, alteration, or removal

should the Director determine it necessary.

(e) Hold and save the State of Louisiana, the City

of New Orleans, the Department, and their

0-49

officers and employees harmless from any damage

to persons or property which might result from

the work, activity, or structure permitted.

(f) Certify that any permitted construction has been

completed in an acceptable and satisfactory manner

and in accordance with the plans and specifications

approved by the Director. The Director may, when

appropriate, require such certification be given by

a registered professional engineer.

(2) The Director shall place such other conditions on the

permit as are appropriate to ensure compliance with the

coastal management program.

Section 70-30 Appeals

Within 30 days after public notice of the decision, the applicant,

the Secretary of DNR, any affected local government or affected

local, state or federal agency, an 11aggarieved person" or any person

adversely affected by a decision may petition for reconsideration to

the Secretary in writing. The Secretary will render a decision upon

the reconsideration within fifteen days of its receipt. As final

recourse, proceedings for review ma'y be instituted by filling a

petition in the district court of the parish in which the proposed

use is to be situated within thirty days after mailing of notice of

the final decision by the Secretary or, if a reconsideration is

requested, within thirty days after the decision thereof. The

courts must give the case "prefe rence and priority" and allow

trial de nove at the request of the party.

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ARTICLE VII Modification, Suspension or Revocation of Permits

Section 70--31 Modifications and Variances

(1) The terms and conditions of a permit may be modified

to allow changes in the permitted use, in the plans

and specifications for that use, in the methods by

which the use is being implemented, or to assure that

the permitted use will be in conformity with the

coastal management program. Changes which would

significantly increase the impacts of a permitted

activity shall be processed as new applications for

permits pursuant to Article VI, not asa

modification.

(2) A permit may be modified upon request of the

permittee:

(a) if mutual agreement can be reached on.a

modification, written notice of the modification

will be given to the permittee.

(b) if mutual agreement cannot be reached, a

permittee's request for a modification shall be

considered denied.

Section 70-32 Suspensions

(1) The Director may suspend a permit upon finding that:

(a) the permittee has failed or refuses to comply

with the terms and conditions of the permit or

any modifications thereof, or

0-51

(b) the permittee has submitted flase or incomplete

information in his application or otherwise, or

any lawful order or request of the Director.

(2) The Director shall notify the permittee in writing that

the permit will be suspended and the reasons therefore

and order the permittee to cease immediately all

previously authorized activities. The notice shall

also advise the permittee that he will be given, upon

request made within ten (10) days of receipt of the

notice, an opportunity to respond to the reasons given

for the suspension.

(3) After consideration of the permittee's response, or, if

none, within 30 days after issuance of the notice, the

Director shall take action to reinstate, modify or

revoke the permit and shall notify the permittee of the

action taken.

Section 70-33 Revocations

If, after compliance with the suspension procedures in

Section 70-32, above, the Director determines that

revocation or modification of the permit is

warranted, written notice of the revocation or

modification shall be given to the permittee.

0-52

Section 70-34 Enforcement

If the permittee fails to comply with a cease and

desist order or the suspension or revocation of a

permit, the Director shall seek appropriate civil and
criminal relief as provided by'�213.17 of the Act.

ARTICLE VIII. General Permits

Section 70-35 General

(1) The Director may, after compliance with the

procedures set forth in Sections 70-23 and 70-24,

issue general permits for certain clearly described

categories of uses requiring coastal use permits.
After a general permit'has been issued, individual

uses falling within those categories will not require

full individual permit processing unless the Director

determines, on a case-by-case basis, that the public

interest requires full review.

(2) General permits may be issued only for those uses

that are substantially similar in nature, that cause

only minimal adverse impacts when performed

separately, that will have only minimal adverse

cumulative impacts and that otherwise do not impair

the fulfillment of the objectives and policies of the

coastal management program.

Section 70-36 Reporting

(1) Each person desiring to commence work on a use

subject to a general permit must give notice to the

0-53

Director and receive written authorization prior to

.commencing work. Such authorization shall be issued

within 30 days of receipt of the notice.

(2) Such notice shall include:

(a) The name and address of the person conducting the

use.

(b) Such descriptive material, maps and plans as may

be required by the Director for that general

permit.

Section 70-37 Conditions of General Permits

(1) The Director shall prescribe such conditions for each

general permit as may be appropriate.

(2) A general permit may be revoked if the Director

determines that such revocation is in the public

interest and consistent with the coastal management

program.

Section 70-38 Appeals

.See Section 70-30 P. 0-49

AHTICLE IX. Conflict of Coastal Zone Ordinance with Other

Ordinances

Section 70-39 Priority of Coastal Zone Regulations

All regulations described in the foregoing Chapter

represent minimum standards, and supersede all existing

ordinances with less restrictive standards.

Nothing herein shall be construed as abrogating any

0-54

regulations provided by the Comprehensive Zoning

Ordinance, No. 4264 M.C.S., a's amended, the Orleans

Parish Building Code, Ordinance 17,525 C.C.S., or by

other sections of the City Code of the City of New

Orleans, Ordinance.No. 828 M.C.S., as amended.

The regulations herein shall be construed as being

requirements in ad dition to those required by exist-

ing ordinances.

Section 70-40 Invalidity of Any Provisions

If any provision or item of this Ordinance, or the

application thereof, is held invalid, such invalid-

ity shall not affect other provisions, items or

applications of this Ordinance which can be given

efect without the invalidated provisions, items or

applications. To this end the provisions of this

Ordinance are hereby declared severable.

Section 70-41 Status of Conflicting Ordinances

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict

herewith are hereby repealed, except as set forth in

Section 70-39.

FUDMOTES

1. Lewis, Pierce F. New Orleans, the Making of an Urban
Landscape. Ballinger Publishing Company. Cambridge,
Massachusettes, 1976.

2. Ibid.

3. Coastal Environmnts, Inc. Environmental Baseline Study.
Baton Rouge, 1972.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. Saucier, Roger T. Recent Geomorphic; History of the-
Pontchartrain Basin. Louisiana State University Studies, 1963.

7. Ibid.

8. Wallace, McHarg, Roberts and Todd. Pontchartrain New
Town-in-Town Ecological Planning Study. Prepared for New Orleans
East, Inc., 1973.

9. Ibid.

10. Burk and Associates, Inc. Coastal Zone !,,ianagement Plan, St.
i3eernard Parish, Lousiana. 1979.

11. U.S. Army Engineer District, Dbw Orleans. Environmental
Analysis of Lake Pontchartrain, Its Surrounding Wetlands, and
Selected Land Uses. 1980.

12. Pontchartrain Land Corporation. Application For Pontchartrain
New Town-in-Town. 1972.

13. Mayor's Office of Policy Planning. New Orleans' Economic
Developinent Strategy. May, 1979.

14. Ibid.

15. New Orleans City Planning Comission. New Orleans Land Use
Plan Present and Future. 1978.

16. NIumphrey, Anthony J. Jr., Jane Brooks, and John Miller. Urban
Developnent in the Louisiana Coastal Zone: Problems and
Guidelines. Urban Studies Institute, University of New Orleans.
1976.

17. Ibid

18. Louisiana Coastal Resources Program. Final Environmental
Impact Statement. Department of Natural Resources. Baton Rouge,
1980.

19. Ibid.

REF=4CES

Burk and Associates, Inc. Coastal Zone Management Plan, St.
Bernard Paxish, Louisiana. New Orleans, 1979.

Burk and Associates, Inc. Lakefront Boat Mooring Harbor. New
Orleans, 1978.

Burk and Associates, Inc. Lincoln Beach Redevelopment. New
Orleans, 1979.

Burk and Associates, Inc. Louisiana Shorefront Access Plan. I-Tew
Orleans, 1978.

Citizen's Advisory Conmittee. "NLinutes of the Citizen's Advisory
Conm,ttee %eetings, January, 19774Aarch, 1980." New Orleans:
City Planning Conmission.

City Planning Com-,ussion of New Orleans. Coastal Zone lManagemzent,
Orleans Parish (Draft). New Orleans: City Plannin.'T
Commission, 1979.

City Planning Co-rmission of New Orleans: Coastal Zone Management:
1975. New Orleans: City Planning Cormission, 1975.

City Planning Comnission. Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for City
of New Orleans. New Orleans: City Planning Comission,
1970.

City Planning Cormssion of New Orleans. Transcript of Public
Hearing on Orle
ans Parish Coastal Zone Management. New
@"'s: City Planning Co-mission, December 17, 1979.

Coastal Environments, Inc. Environmental Baseline Study. Baton
Rouge, 1972.

Darnell, Resneat M. "Lecture on the Biology of Lake
Pontchartrain." New Orleans: University of New Orleans,
"darch 10, 1980.

Earle, D.W., Jr. Land Subsidence Problems and Maintenance Costs to
Homeowners in East New Orleans, Louisiana. (Unpublished Ph.D.
dissertation.) Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University,
1975.

Gosselink, J.G.; Odum, E.P.; and Pope, R.M. The Value of the Tidal
Marsh. 1973.

Lewis, Pierce F. New Orleans, the Making of an Urban Landscape.
Ballinger Publishing Company. Cambridge, Massachusettes,
1976.

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. Louisiana Coastal
Resources Program Final Environmenta.1 Impact Statement.
Ta on Rouge: Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, 1979.

Mayor's Office of Economic Developmnt. The New Orleans Econcmic
Developaent Strategy - New Orleans: Mayor I s Off ice of
Economic Developnent, 1979.

Mumphrey, Anthony J., et al. Coastal Zone Management in the
Met@@itan New Orleans Region. New Orleans: Urban Studies
Institute, University of New Orleans, 1976.

Mumphrey, Anthony J., et al. The Va.1vue of Wetlands in the
Barataria Basin. New Orleans: Urban Studies Institute,
University of New Orleans, 1978.

Mumphrey, Anthony J., et al. Louisiana Metropolitan Wetlands: A
Planning Perspective, New Orleans: Urban Studies Institute,
University of New 571eans, 1975.

Mumphrey, Anthony J., et al. Urban Development in the Louisiana
Coastal Zone: Problem and Guidelines. New Orleans: Urban
Studies Institute, University-o-f-Ne-w-Urleans, 1976.

Pontchartrain Land Corporation. Application for Pontchartrain New
Town-in-Town. Dallas, Texas. 1972.

Regional Planning Comission of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard and
St. Tanynany Paxishes. History of Regional Growth. New
Orleans: Regional Planning Conmission, 1969.

Regional Planning Coamission. Transportation Planning Variables
Forecast: Socio-Fconomic Projection for Year 2000. New
Orleans: Regional Planning Coninission, 1978.

Saucier, Roger T. Recent Geanorphic History of the Pontchartrain
Basin, Louisiana. Baton Rouge: Coastal Studies Institute,
Tollisiana S-ta-t-e-University, 1962.

Segal, Harris S. Projections to the Year 2000 of Louisiana
Population and Housing. New Orleans: Division of Business
and Economic Research, College of Business Administration,
University of New Orleans, 1976.

Shenkel, J. Richard. "Archaeological Record of Orleans Parish."
New Orleans: Coastal Zone Management Orleans Parish, City
Planning Canmission, 19797-

Tippets-Abbett-@tCarthy-Stratton, in association with Viana &
Associates. Port of New Orleans IMaster Plan. New York,
1979.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Envirormiental Analysis of Lake
Pontchartrain, Its Surrounding Wetlands and Selected Land
Uses. New Orleans District, 1980.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Inventory of Basic Environmental
Data, South Louisiana. Washington, D.C.: U.S. ArnW Eagineer
Topographic Laboratories, 1973.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "Public Notice: LMNOD-S (Tetland
Determinations)l." New Orleans: New Orleans.District, Corps
of Engineers, 1977.

Urban Studies Institute. Lakeshore Paxk Study. University of New
Orleans, 1977.

Wallace, McHarg, Roberts and Todd. Pontchartrain New Town-in-Town
Ecological Planning Study. Prepared for New Orleans East,

APPENDIX I

Wetland Vegetation Habitats in Orleans Parish

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has produced vegetation
maps of southern Louisiana wetlands as part of a national
characterization survey. Acreages have been calculated for
certain areas of Orleans Parish, separated by predominant
characteristic vegetation types. The following list, supplied
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Slidell Computer Center,
summarizes those habitats that have received particular atten-
tion to date:

Code: PEM. (Palustrine Emergent Vegetation)

Description: A freshwater marsh dominated by such species
as maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), pennywort
(Hydrocotyle sp.)',pickerelweed (Pontederia
cordzi-ta),alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides),
and bulltongue ([email protected])-(@!E57b-reck and
Linscombe 1978). Because-the coastal marshes
contain a mixture of broad-leaved and narrow-
leaved persistent vegetation no subclass was
assigned to this marsh type on the habitat maps.

Distribution: ACREAGE TOPOMAP DECADE
50 LITTLE WOODS, LA. 1978
64 CHALMETTE, LA. 1978
191 SPANISH FORT SE, LA. 1978
1139 LITTLE WOODS, LA. 1978
1,444 TOTAL ACRES

Code: PF01 (Palustrine Forested Broad-leaved Deciduous)

Description A broad-leaved, deciduous forest in a freshwater
wetland environment. This includes battures con-
taining willows and cottonwood and bottomland
hardwood forest habitats subject to frequent
flooding. In Louisiana, these habitats are usually
below the 5 ft. contour. Exceptions are the bottom-
land hardwoods on the upper Pearl River floodplain

and small areas of the upper Pascagoula River
floodplain inMipsissippi, which are often
above 5 ft. in elevation but are wetlands because
of poor drainage.

Distribution: ACREAGE TOPOMAP DECADE
16 CHALMETTE, LA. 1978
32 NEW ORLEANS WEST, LA. 1978
39 NEW ORLEANS EAST, LA. 1978
64 BELLE CHASSE, LA. 1978
98 SPANISH FORT SE, LA. 1978
325 CHALMETTE, LA. 1978
3498 LITTLE WOODS LA. 1978
TO-7-2 TOTAL ACRES

Code; PF01/2 (Palustrine Forested Broad-leaved Deciduous/
Needle-leaved Deciduous)

Description: A deep-water swamp containing mostly broad-leaved
deciduous and needle-leaved deciduous trees. Most
areas so labeled on the habitat maps contain cypress
(Taxodium distichum) and tupelogum (Nyssa aquatica
Swamps in the interdistributary basins of the
Mississippi River and the Pearl, Pascagoula, and
Escatawpa rivers of Mississippi are dominated by
these species. Aquatic beds and emergents may
characterize the understory.

Distribution: ACREAGE TOPOMAP DECADE
15 ALLIGATOR POINT, LA. 1978
18 NEW ORLEANS EAST, LA. 1978
93 SPANISH FORT SE, LA. 1978
126 TOTAL ACRES

Code; PFO 1/3 Palustrine Forested Broad"Leaved Deciduous/
Broad-leaved Evergreen

I - 2

Description: Wetland forests dominated by broad-leaved deciduous
and broad-leaved evergreen trees. These areas, -
while below 5 ft. in elevation, are better drained
than backswamps and are commonly found on subsiding
natural levees and between wetter bottomland hard-
woods and drier mixed levee and upland forests.
Common species in such environments include live
oak (Quercus virginiana), sweetgum (Liquidambar
styraciflua), magnolia.(Magnolia sp.), and hack-
berry (Celtis laevigata). Large cut-over areas
of Devils-Swamp, Mississippi, which contain maple
(Acer rubrum) and swamp bay (Persea palustris) are
labeled PF01/3.

Distribution: ACREAGE TOPOMAP DECADE
169 CHEF MENTEUR, LA. 1978
232 LITTLE WOODS, LA. 1978
318 NEW ORLEANS EAST, LA. 1978
3051 CHALMETTE, LA.
3770 ACRES TOTAL

Code: E2EM (Estuarine Intertidal Emergent Vegetation)

Description: A wet grassland vegetated by salt-tolerant species.
This label is used on the 1950s habitat maps to
designate all non-fresh marshes (saline, brackish,
and intermediate) because there are no adequate
data to designate individual marsh types. This
category is sometimes interspersed with open
water bodies that are too small, discontinuous?
and numerous to be individually delineated.

Distribution: ACREAGE TOPOMAP DECADE
1 CHALMETTE, LA. 1978
4 SPANISH FORT SE, LA. 1978
6 SOUTH POINT, LA. 1978
63 CHALMETTE, LA. 1978
232 MARTELLO CASTLE, LA. 1978
328 NEW ORLEANS EAST, LA. 1978
625 SOUTH POINT, LA. 1978
802 NORTH SHORE, LA. 1978
1617 CHALMETTE, LA. 1978
3165 CHEF MENTEUR, LA. 1978
5503 RIGOLETS, LA. 1978
6864 LITTLE WOODS, LA. 1978
9224 ALLIGATOR POINT, LA. 1978
14646 _dHEF MENTEUR , LA. 1978
43,080 ACRES TOTAL

I - 3

Source: U.S. Department of.the Interior, Fish and Wild-
life Service, National Coastal Ecosystems Team
NASA/Slidell Computer Complex, Slidell, Louisiana.
70358

1 4

APPENDIX II

Summary of Archaeological Sites

The following descriptions of archaeological sites in
Orleans Parish are intended to complement Figure 18, which
maps them, and the accompanying summary discussion. This
report, prepared in 1978 by Dr. Richard Shenkel of the
Department of Anthropology and Geography at the University
of New Orleans, is the most recent comprehensive summary of
the locations. Further information and newer sites have
been added subsequently. This is available on a site-by-
site basis through the State Division of Archaeology, under
the Historic Preservation Officer, Louisiana State Depart-
ment of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

Tn archaeological sites are designed and
identified by a site number given in accordance with the
Smithsonian River Basin Survey system. Under this system
each state is given an initial number, Louisiana is 16. Thence,
each county (parish) is given a letter designation, Orleans
is OR. Thence each site is numbered in the order of its
discovery or recording. Thus 16 OR 6 is the sixth site recorded
for Orleans Parish, Louisiana. in addition, sites are generally
na'med for a prominant characteristic, a nearby geographic
feature or theproperty owner. The primary function of site
naming is the attempt to keep romantic humanism in archaeology.
When a site becomes important because of what it may contain
or signify, it is generally referred to by its name and not
its number. The recording procedure of the State Office of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation combines into a single
system both historic as well as prehistoric sites. The
criteria for siterecognition is that materials have to be
recovered from an archaeological context and recorded with
the State Office.

The following site list includes a few historic sites
that have received archaeological attention and therefore
have been assigned site numbers. It should be reemphasized
that all of the areas of New Orleans settled prior to 1900
are archaeological important for they contain a record of
neighborhood development and cultural character that is not
preserved in books, archives and manuscripts. As additional
sites, either historic or prehistoric, receive archaeological
attention, they will be given numbers in sequence.

Some of the sites have the designation NRPH indicating
that they have been placed on the National Register of
Historic Places.

-16 OR 1 Little Woods

A destroyed Rangia cuneata shell midden excavated in the
1930's located to the northwest of the intersection of
Benson and Morrison Roads in eastern New Orleans about
1/2 mile south of the present shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
The cultural association of this site is Tchefuncte and
it probably dates between 400 B.C. and 200 B.C.

16 OR 2 Little Woods

A destroyed Rangia cuneata shell midden excavated in the
1930's located to the northwest of the intersection of
Benson and Morrison'Roads in eastern New Orleans about
1/2 mile south of the present shore of Lake Pontchartrain
about 150 feet northwest of 16 OR 1. The cultural associa-
tion of this site is Tchefuncte and it probably dates
between 400 B.C. and 200 B.C.

16 OR 3 Little Woods

A destroyed Rangia cuneata shell midden excavated in the
1930's locat'6-d -west of Vanderkloot at the corner of
Adele and Fulton in eastern New Orleans. Cultural
association of this site is Tchefuncte and it probably
dates between 400 B.C. and 200 B.C.

16 OR 4 Little Woods

An excavated but otherwise intact Rangia cuneata shell
midden located between the Citrus Canal, Bundy Road,
Morrison Road and I-10 in eastern New Orleans. Another
Tchefuncte site originally excavated in the 1930's that
probably dates between 400 B.C. and 200 B.C.

16 OR 5 Little Woods

An excavated and destroyed Rangia cuneata shell midden
investigated in the 1930's located near the intersection
of Benson Road and Dinkins Street in eastern New Orleans.
This is a Tchefuncte site dating between 400 B.C. and
200 B.C.

16 OR 6 Big Oak Island NRHP

A large multi-component Rangia cuneata shell midden located
about 2,000 feet north of Lake Marseille and 1/2 mile
southeast of I-10 in eastern New Orleans. This site was
excavated in the 1930's. Radiocarbon dates range from
520 B.C. to 95 B.C. and the cultural associations include
both Tchefuncte and Marksville.

16 OR 7 Little Oak Island NRHP

An intensively occupied Tchefuncte village site dating
about 200 B.C. excavated in the 1970's. This site is
located about 2,500 feet due east of Big Oak Island
site in eastern New Orleans.

16 OR 8 Downman Road

A destroyed Rangia cuneata shell midden located about
900 feet southwest of the intersection of Downman Road
and Hayne Boulevard. This was probably a Tchefuncte
site dating between 400 B.C. and 200 B.C.

16 OR 9 St. Charles Canal

A destroyed shell midden excavated in the 1970's that
once stretched from St. Charles Canal to Mayo Boulevard
between Curran Road and Wales Street in eastern New
Orleans. Site might have been transitional between
Proverty Point and Tchefuncte dating around 700 B.C.

II - 2

16 OR 10 Little Woods

A. destroyed Rangia cuneata shell midden located near
Weaver Road and Wheatoii -Circle in eastern New Orleans.
This was probably a Tchefuncte site dating between
400 B.C. and 200 B.C.

16 OR 11 Dwyer Canal

A dredged and mostly destroyed shell midden at the inter-
section of Dwyer Canal and Rogers Lagoon east of Paris'
Road in eastern New Orleans. A Tchefuncte period site
dredged for road fill before investigation..

16 OR 12 South Point

A multi-component shell site dating from about 1,000 A.D.
to historic times located on the southeastern shore of
Lake Pontchartrain at South Point near Cane Bayou.

16 OR 13 Little Rigolets

An eroding beach deposit on the east bank of the mouth
of Little Rigolets on an old beach line having a Coles
Creek cultural association dating to about 1,000 A.D.

16 OR 14 Lake St. Catherine

Eroding shell midden an southshore of Lake St. Catherine
about 500 feet southwest of Miller Bayou. This is a
multi-component site ranging from Coles Creek through
the historic period.

16 OR 15 Hayne Blvd. and Paris Road

This site is largely destroyed by house and road construc-
tion in the village of Little Woods. A few large oak
and hackberry trees and remnant ridges of shell can be
seen on both Hayne Boulevard and Paris Road.

16 OR 16 Rabbit Island

Partially destroyed dredged Rangia shell midden on the
south bank of the Rigolets dlEi"ect@y opposite the mouth
of the West Pearl River. Collections from various times
indicate occupation from Tchefuncte through the historic
period.

16 OR 17 Bayou Platte

A conical earthmound of unknown cultrual affiliation
located about 2 1/2 miles northwest of Alligator Point
on the east bank of Bayou Platte. This is the only
earthmound ever reported for Orleans Parish.

II - 3

16 OR 18 Alligator Point

An eroded midden or beach deposit located about 1 1/3
miles northwest of Alligator Point on the shore of Lake
Borgne or about 1/4 of the distance around Alligator
Bend. Artifacts indicate that this is a milti-component
camp site with materials from Coles Creek through Missis-
sippean.

16 OR 19 Spanish Fort

A multi-component site with a late prehistoric Indian
encampment and a succession of historic structures inclu-
ding a French fort, a Spanish fort, an American fort and
a 19th century hotel and amusement park.

16 OR 20 Citrus Canal

A destroyed extensive shell midden located at the Citrus
Canal Pump Station. This was one of the Little Woods
Tchefuncte sites. The shell from the midden was removed
for road fill.

16 OR 21 Truloix Bayou

A dredge and mostly detroyed Rangia shell midden located
in the marsh about 1/2 mile south of the mouth of
Truloix Bayou near the southeastern shore of Lake St.
Catherine. Some in situ materials might remain on
dredged periphery. Collected materials indicate probable
Coles Creek cultural affiliation.

16 OR 22 Ideal Camp

A linear shell midden located about 1000 ft. from the
south east shore of Lake St. Catherine between Miller
Bayou and Frederics Bayou with both Tchefuncte and Coles
Creek ceramics recovered.

16 OR 23 Bayou Bienvenue

A small Coles Creek shell midden located about one-half
mile from Lake Borgne on the North shore of Bayou Bienvenue.
This site is reported to be in a fair state of preserva-
tion.

16 OR 24 Seabrook

A series of continuous lenticular shell middens paralleling
Hayne Blvd. along an old shore line of Lake Pontchartrain
now destroyed by house constrction and the New Orleans
Lake Front Airport. These sites were probably Tchefuncte.

11 4

16 OR 25 Bayou St. John

A reported historic Indian camp site on.the banks of
Bayou St. John near the Dumaine St. Bridge. This site
is now either buried or destroyed.

16 OR 26 Little Woods

A small Tchefuncte shell midden located about 800 ft.
Southeast of the Citrus Canal Pumping Station. This
site has been destroyed by the urban expansion in eastern
New Orleans.

16 OR 27 Prentis Avenue

A R.angia and oyster reef also called the Frenchman
St. Mound that was probably located near the intersection
of Prentis Street and St. Roch Avenue in Gentilly.

16 OR 28 Little Woods - Houghs Canal

A wave washed shell midden mostly covered by levee located
about 300 yds. east of the junction of Paris Road and
Hayhe Blvd.

16 OR 29 Chef Menteur West

A subsided but reasonably intact Tchefuncte shell midden
on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain on the west bank
of the mouth of Chef Menteur Pass.

16 OR 30 Chef Menteur East

A subsided, submerged shell midden on the east bank of
Chef Menteur Pass at Lake Pontchartrain.

16 OR 31 Lake St. Catherine, Bay Jaune

A small Coles Creek midden about 3/4 mile Northwest
of Bay Jaune Point on the shore of Lake St. Catherine.
The site is heavily eroded and mostly submerged.

16 OR 32 Ft. Macomb

An historic 19th Century masonry fort on the west bank
of Chef Menteur Pass at U.S. Highway 90. it is reported
to have been built on an Indian site.

16 OR 33 Alligator Point

A circular shell midden on the north bank of an old stream
channel about 1/3 mile north of Alligator Point and about
midway between the east and west sides of the point.

II - 5

16 OR 49 Ursuline Convent NRHP

The oldest building in the Mississippi Valley and a
National Landmark. The compound includes the 1756
convent building, the kitchen, servants quarters, the
Almonaster Chapel, and Our Lady of Victory Church. it
is located in the square bounded by Chartres, Ursulines,
Decatur and Gov. Nicholls Streets in the Vieux Carrel.

16 OR 50 Truloix Bayou number 2

An elongated oval Rangia midden 44m X 18m X 2m deep
located 150 m south of Truloix Bayou and 750 m east
of Lake St. Catherine and about 600 m east of 15 OR
21. Cultural components include Coles Creek, Plaquemine
and Mississippean.

16 OR 51 Madame John's Legacy NRHP

A National Landmark historic site located at 632 Dumaine
St. in the Vieux Carrel. This is a restored Creole
Cottage built in 1788 and may be the oldest residence
in New Orleans.

16 OR 52 U.S. Branch Mint NRHP

A National Landmark historic site in the Vieux Carrel
bounded by Chartres St., Esplanade Avenue, Decatur St.
and Barracks St. This 1830'S Federal factory and office
building is also located at the site of the 1793 Fort
San Carlos.

16 OR 53 Chef Menteur

A small eroding shell midden located on the east bank
of Chef Menteur pass halfway between the L&N railroad
tracks and the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway. No Cultural
affiliation was determined.

16 OR 54 Venetian Isles

A thin Rangia shell lens exposed on the south bank of
Bayou Sauvage at the confluence of Chef Mentuer Pass.
Recent fill over burden obscures most of site. No
cultural affiliation was determined.

16 OR 55 Atlatl Weight

Artifacts in spoil bank of the Gulf Intercoastal Water-
way located about 1/2 mile west of the Paris Road Bridge
on the south side of the waterway. Poverty Point arti-
facts. This site probably relates to 16 OR 40.

II - 8

16 OR 56 No Name

A small Rangia. midden located on the east side of Chef
Menteur Pass at the junction of Bayou Dupont and Bayou
Catherine@ No cultural affiliation cited.

16 OR 57 Fort Pike NRHP

A 1830's historic fort site located on the east bank of
the Rigolets at U.S. Hwy. 90. A Louisiana State Park is
in excellent state of preservation.

16 OR 58 Deedie Bayou Site

An eroded Rangia midden and beach deposit located 100m
east of the mouth of Deedie Bayou on the shore of Lake
Borgne. Cultural components include Tchefuncte through
historic.

16 OR 59 Big Deedie Lake Site

A small, subsided, but otherwise intact Rangia midden with
Oak and Hackberry measuring only 19m x 20m and 1.5m high.
Tchefuncte was the only cultural component noted.

16 OR 60 Rigolets Lighthouse

The remains of a nineteenth century lighthouse located
on the south bank of the Rigolets at Lake Pontchartrain
about 1000m northwest of Fort Pike.

16 OR 61 Catfish Point

An eroded Rangia midden and beach deposit located at
Catfish Poln-ton the south bank of 'the Rigolets at Lake
Borgne. The beach measures about 5m wide by 30m long
and contains materials dating from Tchefuncte through
the historic period.

Compiled by J. Richard Shenkel
Department of Anthropology & Geography
University of New Orleans

II - 9

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1. One ., - -b- 1pp.I.Ixd F.PI.Y. .. 11.ard 51syrn'
vat b M.Y.-Iffic ... II.Ppravol 7. Appolaled by Covertur ox@*a.fntwb ............... mly
-1.1'2-1 IJ I. of 3. wiy. ..d/., C.-tibrun .. Board 8. M, Ek'I'd
Authority 2, 7 City Debt 3

SOURCE League of Women Voters of New Orleans, 1978.
what's What in New Or'l'ea-fts GoVernme'ftt - A Citizeft's Guide

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