LA HB890

Requires additional permit requirements for pipeline trenching, platform construction, dredging, and seismic survey activities on Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain submerged lands

Applicants must demonstrate that submerged land disturbance is minimized, lake bottom contours will not be permanently altered, sediment transport patterns will not cause erosion, and benthic biological productivity will recover within five years

Permit applications must include high-resolution benthic habitat mapping, sediment core sampling, laboratory testing for heavy metals and hydrocarbons, and sediment transport modeling

Independent scientific review by department-selected neutral experts (paid for by applicant) and at least one public hearing with 30 days notice are required before permit issuance

Applies to any coastal use permit application not yet finalized as of the effective date; effective upon governor's signature