ABSTRACT

The Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (P. L. 92-583) provides incentives for states to plan and implement management programs to guide public and private uses of lands and waters in the coastal zone. Many states, including Louisiana, are in the planning phase of program development. Several coastal zone bills have been prepared for consideration by the Louisiana Legislature during the 1976 session. Most bills call for creation of some process or mechanism to prepare specific management guidelines. Close government-industry cooperation is essential for preparation of effective guidelines involving oil and gas operations, and initial contacts have been made to establish this working relationship. In addition to adherence to existing air and water quality standards, these guidelines will undoubtedly incorporate recognition of such factors as ecosystem integrity and function, maintenance of natural water flow and circulation patterns, trends in land/water ratios, changes in water freshness or salinity, erosion of Gulf shores, and cumulative environmental impacts within hydrologic units and marsh types. A comprehensive assessment of techniques will be required to mitigate the effects of such activities as brine disposal, road building, canal dredging, pipelaying, spoil disposal, and the construction and operation of processing plants, storage facilities and refineries.