News Update
Public comment period extended on Deepwater Horizon oil spill draft plan
Staff report
Enviro-Net
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees extended the public comment period for the Draft Phase IV Early Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessments.
The draft proposes an additional 10 early restoration projects with an estimated cost of $134 million across the Gulf states. It is now available for public review and comment through July 6 rather than the original deadline of June 19.
The Trustees are extending the review time an additional 17 days based on requests from the public. This extension will allow more time to review and comment on the proposed early restoration projects.
The 10 early restoration projects proposed in the draft include two that would enhance bird nesting habitat, four projects that would improve near-shore and reef habitats, two projects that would enhance recreational opportunities on federal lands, one project that would reduce sea turtle mortality, and one project that would restore pelagic fish across the Gulf.
The Draft, available at www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov, includes the complete list of proposed projects, with locations and descriptions.
The public may submit written comments through July 6.