Planning a project in Louisiana? You’ll likely need a professional wetland delineation to stay compliant with state and federal regulations. Cypress Environment & Infrastructure provides wetland delineation in Louisiana that meets U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) standards — supporting Section 404/401 permitting and development planning across the state.
Our team of environmental scientists and engineers delivers accurate, field-based wetland assessments using approved methods and regional supplements. From coastal restoration zones to upland developments, we help clients document wetland boundaries, minimize permitting delays, and avoid costly compliance issues.
Our Wetland Delineation Service
At CypressEI, we deliver accurate, regulation-ready wetland delineation services across Louisiana, tailored to meet the standards of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ).
Our delineation services are designed to support Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting, state water quality certifications, and pre-construction planning for public and private projects throughout the state.
Our service includes:
- Regulatory alignment with the USACE Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Regional Supplement
- Wetland boundary assessments for both federal jurisdiction and local permitting needs
- GIS-based mapping and GPS flagging for precise project planning
- Delineation reports with field data forms, photo documentation, and mapped results
- Optional coordination with USACE New Orleans District for Jurisdictional Determinations (JDs)
Why You Need Wetland Delineation in Louisiana?
Wetlands are everywhere in Louisiana—and they’re heavily regulated. Whether your site is in a coastal parish, floodplain, or low-lying development zone, failing to conduct a proper wetland delineation can result in serious permitting delays, fines, or construction setbacks.
Here’s why it matters:
- Regulatory Compliance – Wetland delineations are often required to obtain Section 404 permits from the USACE New Orleans District, and may also trigger Section 401 Water Quality Certifications from LDEQ. Without a valid delineation, your permit application may be denied or delayed.
- Project Viability- A delineation helps determine where you can build—and where you can’t. Identifying wetlands early allows engineers and developers to design around them or begin mitigation planning.
- High-Risk Areas – From the Atchafalaya Basin to the Lake Pontchartrain watershed, many Louisiana properties contain wetlands that are not visibly obvious but still regulated. This includes seasonal or isolated wetlands subject to Clean Water Act jurisdiction.
- Avoiding Penalties – Unpermitted impacts to wetlands can trigger enforcement actions, restoration orders, or fines. A defensible delineation is your best protection during agency review.
Our Wetland Delineation Process in Louisiana
- Desktop Analysis – We start with a review of available data—NWI mapping, FEMA flood zones, NRCS soils data, and recent aerials—to identify likely wetland features and jurisdictional scope.
- Field Assessment – Our scientists inspect vegetation, soils, and hydrology on-site using USACE-approved methods. We identify wetland boundaries based on soil color, saturation, species composition, and site conditions.
- Boundary Flagging & GPS Survey – Wetland limits are physically flagged in the field and recorded with sub-meter GPS accuracy. This data is integrated into GIS to create clear, scalable boundary maps.
- Reporting – We prepare a complete wetland delineation report formatted for USACE and LDEQ review, including maps, photos, data sheets, and conclusions.
- Regulatory Support – When needed, CypressEI helps you submit documentation to USACE New Orleans District and pursue a Preliminary or Approved JD for permitting purposes.
Why Choose Us for Wetland Delineation in Louisiana?
Cypress Environment & Infrastructure brings decades of experience working in Louisiana’s unique wetland environments—from coastal marshes and swamp forests to inland floodplains and urban development zones. We understand the terrain, the regulations, and the urgency behind permitting timelines.
Here’s why clients trust CypressEI:
- Local Expertise – Our team has conducted delineations across southeast Louisiana, Acadiana, and the Atchafalaya Basin, navigating challenging conditions and highly regulated wetlands.
- Regulatory Precision – We follow USACE New Orleans District protocols and understand the expectations of LDEQ, ensuring that your delineation is both technically sound and agency-ready.
- Integrated Services – CypressEI offers more than just fieldwork. We support mitigation planning, permitting, and infrastructure coordination, streamlining your project from delineation through approval.
- Reliable Turnaround – With responsive teams and deep in-house capability, we deliver high-quality documentation quickly—without cutting corners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wetland Delineation in Louisiana
Is wetland delineation required in Louisiana before I can build?
Yes. If your project may impact wetlands, a delineation is often required to apply for a Section 404 permit through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District, and to satisfy LDEQ and local development review processes.
How do I know if wetlands are present on my property?
Many wetlands in Louisiana aren’t visibly wet year-round. Our team analyzes soils, vegetation, and hydrology indicators on-site to determine if your land includes jurisdictional wetlands under the Clean Water Act.
How long is a wetland delineation valid in Louisiana?
Most delineations are accepted for up to 5 years, though agencies may request updates based on site conditions or project changes. We can also help renew or revise existing delineation reports.
Can CypressEI help me submit a Jurisdictional Determination (JD) in Louisiana?
Yes. After completing fieldwork and reporting, we can submit your delineation to USACE New Orleans District and assist in securing a Preliminary or Approved JD, depending on your project’s needs.
Are there unique wetland types in Louisiana I should be aware of?
Yes. Louisiana contains a wide range of wetland types, including coastal marshes, bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, and brackish tidal wetlands. Each type may carry specific permitting considerations depending on location and hydrology.
Do local Louisiana parishes have additional requirements?
Yes. Some parishes (e.g., Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish) may require wetland documentation or environmental review as part of subdivision approval or site plan review. We tailor our reports to meet both state and local requirements.
Areas We Serve in Louisiana
- New Orleans – Coastal delineations, mitigation planning, and Section 404 coordination for urban redevelopment and infrastructure
- Baton Rouge – Wetland delineation for transportation, stormwater, and industrial expansion across East Baton Rouge Parish
- Lafayette – Field assessments and regulatory support for development projects in Acadiana’s wetland-rich terrain
- Lake Charles – Delineation services for oil and gas infrastructure, utilities, and industrial corridors
- Shreveport – North Louisiana delineations for site planning and agency compliance
- Houma & Thibodaux – Tidal wetland delineations and JD support in coastal parishes with extensive marshland
- Covington & Slidell – Residential and commercial development support in St. Tammany Parish, including local environmental review
- Alexandria & Central Louisiana – Wetland fieldwork for timber, road, and rural development projects
- Plaquemines, Jefferson, and Terrebonne Parishes – Delineation and coastal permitting support in hurricane-prone zones and flood-protected areas
Request Wetland Delineation in Louisiana Today
Don’t let wetland uncertainty delay your project. CypressEI provides fast, accurate, and agency-ready wetland delineation services in Louisiana, with full support from fieldwork through permitting.
- Call us at: 228-596-1580
- Email: [email protected]
Get in touch today to schedule your site review or request a proposal. We’ll help you build with confidence — and compliance.