Posted on March 11, 2026
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has released a draft restoration plan to address natural resource injuries resulting from a May 9, 2000, pipeline rupture at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. The Dynegy-owned transmission pipeline released approximately 845 barrels of highly volatile natural gas liquids into surrounding marsh and open water habitats.
The spill injured wetlands and aquatic species, including fish, blue crabs, and amphibians. A settlement reached in 2001 provides funding to restore the injured natural resources. The Draft Restoration Plan proposes using the remaining settlement funds to support additional native wetland vegetation plantings as part of the ongoing Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Marsh Terracing Project. This project enhances coastal marsh habitat by constructing earthen terraces that reduce erosion and support long-term wetland recovery.
The Service identified this approach as the preferred alternative because it restores similar habitat types, occurs within the same watershed as the injury, and provides lasting benefits to fish and wildlife resources.
The Draft Restoration Plan is available for a 30-day public comment period, from March 6, 2026, through April 6, 2026 on the case page at https://www.cerc.usgs.gov/orda_docs/CaseDetails?ID=1341.
