A decision tree for Coastal Management permit guidelines

The Louisiana Coastal Management Division (CMD) uses over 90 guidelines for permitting construction activities in the coastal zone. The use of the guidelines by, the CMD staff is not always systematically applied to permit applications. A set of guideline decision trees was, therefore, developed for the permit review process using a structural modeling technique. A decision tree provides the framework for optimizing the decision process. The order in which decisions are made contributes to the efficiency and uniformity of the process. The result provides a more timely and consistent review of most permit applications regarding mining, hazardous wastes, levees, and zoning.