Sherwood Boehlert: “Mr. Chairman, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin is the largest estuary in the Gulf Coast region and one of the largest…”

“Mr. Chairman, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin is the largest estuary in the Gulf Coast region and one of the largest estuaries in the United States. However, due to urbanization, increased population growth, and intensive land uses, many water bodies in this watershed do not meet their designated uses. The sources of pollution in the Basin include inadequate sewage systems or septic tanks systems, combined sanitary and storm water sewer overflows, as well as urban and agricultural runoff. State and local agencies are working cooperatively with private organizations on restoration efforts. However, they cannot do it alone. H.R. 2957, introduced by our committee colleague, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter), and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson), supports these State and local efforts. First, the bill identifies the Lake Pontchartrain Basin as an estuary of national significance and adds this estuary to the list of estuaries in section 320 of the Clean Water Act that are to be given priority consideration for the National Estuaries Program.”