Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 43 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Part I - Office of the Secretary
Subpart 1 - General
Chapter 7 - Coastal Management
Subchapter B - Coastal Use Guidelines
Section I-713 - Guidelines for Hydrologic and Sediment Transport Modifications

A. The controlled diversion of sediment-laden waters to initiate new cycles of marsh building and sediment nourishment 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.

B. 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 where the proposed use is to be accomplished.

C. Undesirable deposition of sediments in sensitive habitat or navigation areas shall be avoided through the use of the best preventive techniques.

D. 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.

E. Water or marsh management plans shall result in an overall benefit to the productivity of the area.

F. 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.

G. 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.

H. 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.

I. Withdrawal of surface and ground water shall not result in saltwater intrusion or land subsidence to the maximum extent practicable.