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Port NOLA Studies LIT’s Environmental Impact

[ October 23, 2025   //   ]

Port NOLA recently released the most recent environmental studies related to the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), located in Violet, Louisiana.

Currently, the project is undergoing the federal permitting process with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), with permits anticipated early next year. Once final permits are obtained, construction of the terminal will begin.

LIT is the largest public economic development project in the state and is support from global industry partners as well as state and federal governments. 

 The port commissioned the studies as part of the terminal’s ongoing development and the USACE permitting process.

Areas such as traffic, air quality, stormwater, aesthetics, sound, vibration, endangered species and economics were included in the various studies. Notable findings include:

• Air Quality – Construction and operation of LIT is not expected to produce emissions that exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

• Stormwater Management – The facility will include new infrastructure such as a pumping station, interior levees within port property and improved ditches and canals, that will avoid placing additional demand on community drainage systems or impacting nearby properties.

• Navigation – The site selected for the LIT offers a straighter, wider and deeper section of the Mississippi River that provides the space and conditions needed for safe vessel navigation. The LIT site allows pilots to safely dock and undock ultra-large container vessels with greater maneuverability and minimal navigational challenges.

• Traffic Impact – Analysis assessed roadway conditions between Interstate 510 and the LIT site and outlined opportunities for future intersection improvements at key intersections including E. Judge Perez Drive at Paris Road and Palmisano Drive. These improvements are separate and apart from other infrastructure improvements associated with the development of the proposed St. Bernard Transportation Corridor Project.

• Endangered Species – The project is not expected to adversely impact the threatened West Indian manatee, the eastern black rail bird, or the endangered pallid sturgeon 

• Economic Impacts – Construction of the LIT is anticipated to generate US$7.6 billion in U.S. output over the entire construction period, including US$920 million in new output in St. Bernard Parish.  Operation of the project is forecast to generate US$169.4 billion in new U.S. output, including US$68 billion in St. Bernard Parish.

These studies confirm the LIT facility is being designed to protect community infrastructure including local stormwater drainage systems and roadways. They will also guide Port NOLA in identifying opportunities to minimize and mitigate potential impacts that may occur during construction and operation of the facility.

Louisiana International Terminal. PHOTO: Port NOLA

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