10-24-2023: Comments on APE for Proposed Greenfield Louisiana Grain Terminal Project Application

October 24, 2023 

US Army Corps of Engineers
New Orleans District
7400 Leake Avenue 
New Orleans, LA 70118 

Ref: Comments on APE for Proposed Greenfield Louisiana Grain Terminal Project Application 

Number MVN 2014-01518-2-EMM 

Dear Mr. Ostahowski: 

Thank you for the opportunity to submit additional comments to the Corps’ ongoing Section 106 reviews for the Greenfield Grain Elevator project in Wallace, LA. 

First and foremost, Louisiana Landmarks Society would like to continue to remain as a party to the Greenfield Grain Elevator consultation process. 

We believe that much more research and work is needed in this process. More extensive traffic studies, including seasonal river traffic at peak times, as well as during low water conditions, are needed. More information on sightlines, and light and noise pollution are required. 

We are concerned about the perplexing new addition of a permit request for the borrow pit at the site. We question whether it is intended to work in conjunction with the Greenfield request, or if they are lining up for the next project in case Greenfield does not happen. In either case, it raises great concerns. 

Louisiana Landmarks Society also feels strongly that, at minimum, the APE should include all of the area currently under consideration by the National Park Service as the Great River Road National Register Historic District. If it is worthy of consideration by NPS – then it certainly should be part of the APE. If not considered, we would like to reserve the option to go back and include it if NPS gives it the designation. 

 We specifically object to the reduction of the area of potential effect at Whitney Plantation. The whole property is part of the plantation and experience, and we find it suspect to reduce the area due to new additions that enhance the experience. 

More consideration should be given to future plans and the cumulative effects of this projected projects that have been made public by the Port, and others. We also are concerned that this project will be cited as a precedent for other permits to be granted in this historic corridor.

Additionally, urge you to carefully consider all of the other comments which may be submitted by other participating consulting parties (not associated with the developer and its consultants), such as the Banners, other local property owners, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, the NPS and the ACHP. Again, there is much more work to be done – and more research and discussion should ensue. 

Thank you again for allowing us to submit comments. 

Sincerely yours, 

Sandra L. Stokes
James R. Logan, IV