DEQ Communications - 1 day ago
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) is soliciting project proposals for the Recovery Act Funding of the Louisiana Clean Diesel Grant Program. Proposal submittal information and copies of the Solicitation Agreement are available under the Stimulus Package tab at www. deq.louisiana.gov. All project proposals must be received before 5:00 p.m. on August 14, 2009.
DEQ Communications - 1 day ago
New Orleans-area residents are invited to attend the Department of Environmental Quality's Enviroschool on Thursday, July 9 from 10 a.m.-noon. The free workshop will be on Remediation 101. In this session, participants will be provided an overview of the role and activities handled by the Remediation Services Division including understanding remediation, Brownfields basics and the Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program (RECAP).
DEQ Communications - 2 days ago
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) has issued $374,470.00 in civil enforcement penalties against Louisiana Land and Water Company, Grace Utilities, Inc., and Utility Data Service Corporation. All three are wastewater companies privately owned and operated by Jeffrey Pruett from his office headquarters in West Monroe, Louisiana.
DEQ Communications - 2 days ago
On July 1, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality took over the registration of sewage sludge haulers and transporters in Louisiana from the Department of Health and Hospitals.
DEQ Communications - 2 days ago
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will be installing electronic monitoring equipment in conjunction with a water sampling survey on Bogue Falaya River in St. Tammany Parish. The equipment will be installed July 6 to 10. The units will be located near Covington and will be mounted on rebar, fence posts, white PVC poles or buoys. Citizens are asked not to tamper with the equipment.DEQ Communications - 2 days ago
DEQ Communications - 3 days ago
Today, Jesse Murphy, Jr, 33, the owner of Southern Waste Systems of Louisiana, was sentenced to pay a criminal fine of $25,000, plus court costs and an additional $12,000 in costs of investigation and prosecution for environmental crimes. The $12,000 was ordered by the court to the following: $7,000 DEQ Criminal Investigation Division and $5,000 to the Orleans Parish District Attorney�s office. Southern Waste Systems of Louisiana was also sentenced to 24 months probation and a criminal fine of $2,000.DEQ Communications - 8 days ago
Enviroschool workshops, presented by the Department of Environmental Quality, help the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In July, the workshop topic for Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles and New Orleans will be Remediation 101. In this session participants will be provided an overview of the role and activities handled by the Remediation Services Division including understanding remediation, Brownfields basics and the Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program (RECAP). The workshop topic for Alexandria and Monroe is Surveillance and Enforcement 101: How the process works. This session will focus on the roles and processes of the Surveillance and Enforcement Division including facility inspections, ambient monitoring, enforcement referral and enforcement actions.DEQ Communications - 10 days ago
American Water and Waste Water Management, Inc., was sentenced to pay a criminal fine of $55,000, plus court costs and an additional $20,000 in costs of investigation and environmental projects. The $20,000 was ordered by the court to the following: $5,000 to Southeast Environmental Enforcement Network; $5,000 to the District Attorney's office; $5,000 to DEQ; and $5,000 to the Louisiana Environmental Action Network.
DEQ Communications - 11 days ago
The Department of Environmental Quality announced the initial release of its Web-based tool that allows some facilities to submit discharge monitoring reports electronically. A discharge monitoring report, known as a DMR, is a self-reporting document that is generated by permittees that have a Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The DMR contains information pertaining to water discharges into waters of the state.
DEQ Communications - 14 days ago
The Department of Environmental Quality will be conducting an emergency removal concerning illegally dumped drums near a park in Baton Rouge. By declaring the emergency, DEQ will now hire a qualified contractor to remove and dispose of the drums properly. DEQ Communications - 16 days ago
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality recently awarded
$251,894 in Beneficial Environmental Projects funds to seven different entities for household hazardous material collections and the removal of school lab waste.
DEQ Communications - 23 days ago
As of June 9, Department of Environmental Quality's solid waste permitting process will include a 180-day timeframe regarding its oversight responsibilities for solid waste disposal facilities. DEQ Communications - 23 days ago
A Texas man recently pled guilty to a misdemeanor count of illegally discharging a pollutant into Louisiana waters. Amos Edward McDaniel, 73, of Carthage, Texas, ordered a truck driver to discharge well treatment fluid into Cypress Creek in Natchitoches Parish in April of 2006. The Criminal Investigation Division of DEQ received a complaint from DEQ's Northwest Regional Office indicating that a service company had discharged an oily substance into Cypress Creek. The investigation led to McDaniel, who admitted that he ordered a truck driver to discharge the material.
DEQ Communications - 25 days ago
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality $435,200 in stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, in an effort to improve water quality and create jobs.
DEQ Communications - 29 days ago
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Criminal Investigation Division, along with local, state and federal partners, arrested Jeffrey Pruett, 57, on 17 felony charges involving violations of his water discharge permit. He was arrested today and faces fines of up to $50,000 per charge and up to three years in prison per charge. Pruett was president and CEO of Louisiana Land and Water Company and the Principal Officer of LWC Management Company, which face the same felony charges.
DEQ Communications - 6/3/2009 1:24:08 PM
Today, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality arrested a Gonzales centralized waste plant manager on 78 felony counts. They involved violations of his facility's Louisiana Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit.DEQ Communications - 6/3/2009 7:42:53 AM
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has selected 55 applicants to receive $43 million allocated to the state as part of the federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund stimulus funds. The federal government will provide final approval.
DEQ Communications - 6/2/2009 12:16:18 PM
Would you like to know how your air quality is and whether it is healthy or unhealthy? You can sign up for EnviroFlash, a free electronic system that sends emails and texts about your daily air quality forecast to your email or cell phone.
Now, EnviroFlash is available statewide and citizens can subscribe to the forecast at the level that they want - daily or only when the air could be unhealthy. You can pick the time of your email and the frequency. The EnviroFlash system will also send out alerts for unusual air quality events, such as fires, that affect air quality.
DEQ Communications - 6/2/2009 12:59:04 PM
A free seminar on Storm Water Erosion and Sedimentation Control will be held, Wed., June 17, from 9:30 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Louisiana Workforce Training Facility, 1711 Nashville Ave. in Hammond. Lunch will be provided by the Tangipahoa Parish Government. This class meets the requirements for four hours of continuing education credit from the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors.DEQ Communications - 6/1/2009 12:18:27 PM
This year will be the 7th year for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality's Keep Louisiana Beautiful awards. The deadline to submit an application or nomination is noon, June 30.DEQ Communications - 5/29/2009 1:01:18 PM
A Bienville Parish man was arrested Wednesday for felony illegal dumping of solid waste which could endanger human health or the environment. This arrest was based on an outstanding arrest warrant after a criminal investigation on his activities conducted by the Department of Environmental Quality Criminal Investigation Division. DEQ Communications - 5/29/2009 12:33:14 PM
AS hurricane season nears, DEQ is reminding local communities of the benefits of a debris management plan. DEQ Communications - 29 days ago
Enviroschool workshops, presented by the Department of Environmental Quality, help the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In June, the workshop topic for Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles and New Orleans will be Emergency Response 101. In this session, participants will be provided an overview of the role and activities handled by the Emergency and Radiological Services Division including: procedures regarding complaint and spill reporting, the Single Point of Contact (SPOC), DEQ role in emergencies and radiological services. The workshop topic for Alexandria and Monroe is Water Quality 101:Understanding the basics. This session will provide an overview on the Water Quality Assessment Division, understanding water quality standards and the basics of water quality protection.DEQ Communications - 5/28/2009 10:34:35 AM
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality arrested a Vacherie centralized waste operator on 89 felony counts. They involved violations of his facility's Louisiana Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit and seven felony counts of submitting false statements to the department in violation of his LPDES permit. DEQ Communications - 5/27/2009 7:18:16 AM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will be installing electronic monitoring equipment in conjunction with a water sampling survey on Jones Creek and Clay Cut Bayou in East Baton Rouge Parish. The equipment will be installed June 2 through June 4. The units will be located in Southeast Baton Rouge.DEQ Communications - 5/20/2009 6:44:41 AM
The Greater Baton Rouge Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day and Paint Swap will be held on Saturday, May 23. Citizens can bring household hazardous materials and leftover paint to Memorial Stadium any time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Entrance to the drop off site is from Scenic Highway at Foss Street in Baton Rouge.
DEQ Communications - 5/13/2009 9:51:02 AM
DEQ emergency responders took air samples at a weekend gas well blowout.DEQ Communications - 5/8/2009 1:12:50 PM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded approximately $3.6 million in brownfields grants to Louisiana cities, parishes and organizations today. Bolstered by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, communities and organizations in Louisiana can utilize the funds for the cleanup of sites known as "brownfields." The grants, which include $200,000 from the Recovery Act and $3.4 million from the EPA brownfields general program funding, will help revitalize former industrial and commercial sites.
DEQ Communications - 5/5/2009 3:08:54 PM
The Department of Environmental Quality is holding six workshops throughout the state to introduce new contracts that can assist local governments and state agencies in their electronics recycling efforts. The workshops will focus on how these contracts can be used by local government to meet the increasing demand for electronics recycling.
DEQ Communications - 5/21/2009 10:15:52 AM
Enviroschool workshops, presented by the Department of Environmental Quality, help the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In May, the workshop topic for Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles and New Orleans will be Surveillance and Enforcement 101: How the process works. This session will focus on the roles and processes of the Surveillance and Enforcement Division including discussions on facility inspections, ambient monitoring, enforcement referrals and types of enforcement actions. In Alexandria and Monroe, the topic for the workshop will be Water Permits 101: Understanding the process. This session will introduce the water program�s mission, major regulations that govern the program and examples of water permits. DEQ Communications - 5/4/2009 1:24:15 PM
Gov. Bobby Jindal has declared May as Air Quality Awareness Month in Louisiana. May is traditionally the start of ozone season and the proclamation was made to encourage citizens to become familiar
with the Air Quality Index, to understand what causes ozone formation and to take voluntary steps to help prevent the formation of ozone and improve air quality.
DEQ Communications - 5/1/2009 10:18:34 AM
The Department of Environmental Quality and the American Waterways Operators are partnering on a study to determine the effect of barge traffic on air monitors and air quality. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding today that outlines an in-depth plan to determine if barges are impacting volatile organic compound readings at the DEQ's Carville air monitoring site, and possibly at other monitors.DEQ Communications - 4/30/2009 4:36:10 PM
Today, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ-CID) arrested a Gretna contractor on eleven (11) felony counts of submitting documents containing false certifications to the department.DEQ Communications - 4/28/2009 9:39:05 AM
Ten high school and junior high school teams from across Louisiana participated in the Louisiana Envirothon, held last weekend at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Cade Farm. The teams competed for a chance to go to the North American Envirothon competition at the University of Carolina, Asheville in August.DEQ Communications - 4/27/2009 3:13:43 PM
Students learn about air, water and other environmental issuesDEQ Communications - 4/26/2009 11:29:38 PM
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is monitoring a Swine Influenza (swine flu) virus strain confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in several cases in Arkansas, California and Texas. There are no confirmed or reported cases in Louisiana at this time. The Louisiana Office of Public Health is on alert and Louisiana DHH is maintaining communication with the CDC, monitoring recommendations for this situation, and will respond with recommended action for health care workers and the public as needed.DEQ Communications - 4/9/2009 8:17:38 AM
A Natchitoches man was arrested today by DEQ's Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from Louisiana State Police, Troop E, for the alleged misrepresentation of his professional status on public documents submitted to DEQ.DEQ Communications - 4/2/2009 10:22:28 AM
Each year the Gulf of Mexico Program, which is made up of the five states that border the Gulf and other partners, gives Gulf Guardian Awards to honor environmental leaders that protect the Gulf. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is currently seeking entries for the 2009 awards, which will be given out in the fall.DEQ Communications - 4/1/2009 4:08:13 PM
DEQ Communications - 3/27/2009 10:32:36 AM
A recently signed agreement will allow the Department of Environmental Quality to oversee the study and possible further cleanup of the Marine Shale Processors site in Amelia. The cooperative agreement is between DEQ and 18 companies that sent waste to the site for processing or their successors.DEQ Communications - 3/26/2009 3:31:47 PM
The April 17 deadline to apply for the 2009 Environmental Leadership Awards has been extended until April 24. Businesses, municipalities and non-governmental organizations across the state that excel in pollution prevention, waste reduction, community environmental outreach and other environmentally beneficial activities, can qualify for the 2009 Environmental Leadership Awards. These awards will recognize outstanding environmental achievements in those areas in which the work goes beyond the regulatory requirements. DEQ Communications - 3/26/2009 11:50:37 AM
Enviroschool workshops, presented by the Department of Environmental Quality, help the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In April, the workshop topic for Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles and New Orleans will be Waste Permits 101: Understanding the process and types of permits. For Monroe, the topic will be Air Permits 101: Understanding the process and types of permits. For Alexandria the topic will be Air Permits 101: Understanding the types of permits. DEQ Communications - 3/25/2009 3:47:17 PM
Calling all movie makers! Lights! Cameras! Action! The Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring a water quality video contest to get the word out about the problems facing the nation's waters and what can be done to improve them. There will be two $2,500 prizes - one for a 30 to 60-second video and one for a longer one to three minute-video. The videos will be featured on the EPA Web site. These videos should be about current issues and simple steps to address the issues.DEQ Communications -
Shreveport schedule, March 26, remains the same.DEQ Communications - 3/19/2009 12:20:29 PM
Calls for collaboration for successDEQ Communications - 3/17/2009 9:48:21 AM
Deadline now March 25DEQ Communications - 3/13/2009 1:35:00 PM
Concerned citizens report pollen as "yellow sheen"DEQ Communications - 3/13/2009 9:07:29 AM
Under the new EPA standard, the department recommends 11 parishes for nonattainmentDEQ Communications - 3/12/2009 7:58:53 AM
The Department of Environmental Quality will be offering a Sanitary Wastewater Permit Application Assistance Workshop on March 19. The workshop is free and open to the public. There is no pre-registration. DEQ Communications - 3/12/2009 9:16:27 AM
Cleanup continues after a busy hurricane season in 2008. According to field reports received from debris sites throughout south Louisiana, it is estimated that approximately 2 million cubic yards of debris that has already been removed from roadways and curbsides still remains to be processed. DEQ Communications - 3/9/2009 3:12:17 PM
The Department of Environmental Quality has several informational events planned this week concerning ground water and its importance to human health and the environment. Gov. Bobby Jindal has proclaimed this week as Ground Water Awareness Week for the state of Louisiana and DEQ is participating in several areas of the state. DEQ Communications - 3/7/2009 2:59:09 PM
Emergency responders take air, water samplesDEQ Communications - 3/6/2009 12:15:05 PM
DEQ Communications - 3/6/2009 12:14:11 PM
DEQ Communications - 3/5/2009 1:00:26 PM
On December 18, 2008, EPA issued the final Vessel General Permit. The VGP regulates certain water discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels in excess of 79 feet that function in a capacity as "a means of transportation." DEQ Communications - 3/5/2009 11:08:34 AM
As part of a federal economic stimulus package, the Department of Environmental Quality expects to receive nearly $43 million to distribute as part of its Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The department is currently taking pre-applications for municipalities that wish to get onto the fund�s priority list. To be eligible for funding, applications must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 13.DEQ Communications - 3/2/2009 4:57:31 PM
Cannister samples, Mobile Air Monitoring Lab used to verify historical data on air toxicsDEQ Communications - 2/17/2009 2:07:15 PM
Taking responsibility for the environment and environmental pollution has been the focus of an ongoing project in the microwatershed of Coulee Baton in Vermilion Parish. The project is an effort to identify water quality problems and to find solutions. The project involves a wide range of the stakeholders in the watershed, which provides for a team approach to identifying and solving water quality problems.DEQ Communications - 2/12/2009 9:20:39 AM
Enviroschool is a training session presented by the Department of Environmental Quality that helps the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In February, the topic for Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles and New Orleans will be Water Permits 101: Understanding the Process. The session will introduce the water program�s mission, major regulations that govern it, and types and examples of water permits. For Monroe and Alexandria, the topic will be Environmental Regulations 101: A Broad Overview. This session will talk about federal and state environmental regulations and what they are designed to do.
DEQ Communications - 2/12/2009 2:34:51 PM
Workshops aimed at hospitals and healthcare providers are currently scheduled in Baton Rouge and Metairie. The workshops are intended to educate hospital employees and other healthcare providers on environmental matters, as well as providing useful tools to improve compliance with the Joint Commission's Environment of Care standards.DEQ Communications - 2/9/2009 11:11:36 AM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is conducting a water quality project along the Tchefuncte River and its tributaries. The project is part of an effort to inventory all wastewater discharges in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. DEQ Communications - 2/6/2009 11:02:27 AM
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), has ordered Global Environmental Methods to cease all operations at their waste oil and industrial process waste management and treatment facility in New Iberia, Louisiana.DEQ Communications - 1/28/2009 10:56:43 AM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality finalized a low-interest loan on Tuesday afternoon with Monroe city officials that will enable the city to continue to repair its wastewater treatment system.
Monroe borrowed $14 million for the fifth phase of the project. The interest rate for this loan was at 0.95 percent, which DEQ recently lowered from 2.95 percent.
DEQ Communications - 1/26/2009 12:25:42 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is dropping the interest rate on the Louisiana Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund from 2.95 percent to 0.95 percent. The department has $130 million to loan out at this low interest rate. DEQ Communications - 5/28/2009 12:13:30 PM
Please note the changes in address for Lake Charles and AlexandriaDEQ Communications - 1/16/2009 9:14:20 AM
A pollution prevention project at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge is in need of volunteers. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and LSU are asking that people interested in creating a wetland area at the high school be at the school between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. this Sunday, January 18, and on following Saturdays and Sundays until completion.DEQ Communications - 1/15/2009 1:53:48 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality made two announcements today concerning settlements it has joined in with federal agencies.
DEQ Communications - 1/15/2009 2:55:13 PM
A New Roads man pled guilty on January 14 to the illegal disposal of a hazardous substance in June of 2006. Victor Mougeot, 70, pled guilty to illegally burning a hazardous substance on a debris pile in an open pit at his former residence in Ventress. DEQ Communications - 1/13/2009 2:39:40 PM
For the first time in Louisiana's history, the state meets all federal ozone standards for the original one-hour standard and the eight-hour ozone standard that is in effect until 2010. To mark this occasion, the Department of Environmental Quality and others responsible for achieving this milestone held a celebration today at the DEQ headquarters in Baton Rouge.
DEQ Communications - 1/9/2009 12:29:03 PM
DEQ Communications - 1/6/2009 10:08:10 AM
Air Quality monitoring data shows that in 2008 Louisiana met federal ozone standards for both the original one-hour and the 1997 eight-hour standards. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has validated its 2008 air quality data, which shows all of Louisiana in compliance with both standards. DEQ Communications - 12/30/2008 2:35:30 PM
Enviroschool is a training session presented by the Department of Environmental Quality that helps the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In January, the topic for Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles and New Orleans will be Air Quality 101: Understanding the new ozone standard. For Monroe and Alexandria, the topic will be Public Participation 101: Understanding the process. DEQ Communications - 12/15/2008 2:08:42 PM
Louisiana, like the rest of the nation, produces more garbage in December than any other month. However, all this extra garbage doesn't have to go to the curb; you can make the holidays easier and take care of the environment too.
DEQ Communications - 12/11/2008 12:00:52 PM
Meeting will be held on Dec. 22DEQ Communications - 12/11/2008 11:08:27 AM
Signed December 10, 2008. Expires on January 12, 2009DEQ Communications - 11/25/2008 4:46:57 PM
The Department of Environmental Quality is inviting citizens to participate in an informative "school" to help the public understand the agency and how it operates. The Enviroschool session for December is entitled Access 101: Navigating DEQ. This seminar will provide information on retrieval of information from DEQ. It will include the Electronic Data Management System, public records requests, identifying Agency Interest numbers and locating data on the individual DEQ web pages.DEQ Communications - 11/25/2008 4:38:05 PM
Enviroschool is a training session presented by the Department of Environmental Quality that helps the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In December, Enviroschool will present Air Quality 101: Understanding Emissions. This session will provide an understanding of the emissions inventory, accessing data, learning about what data is collected and where air monitoring sites are located in Louisiana. DEQ Communications - 11/24/2008 9:39:02 AM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality recently selected Beauregard Parish as the next stop for its drinking water-protection campaign. �Protect Drinking Water One Drop at a Time� is the name of the program that is aimed at increasing the public�s awareness and participation in protecting the area�s drinking water. DEQ Communications - 11/5/2008 11:00:25 AM
The Department of Environmental Quality is inviting citizens to participate in an informative "school" to help the public understand the agency and how it operates. Because of the good response to this training in other areas of the state, DEQ is adding two new locations to the Enviroschool schedule. The Enviroschool session, entitled LDEQ 101: Understanding the Agency, will be held in Alexandria and Monroe. This session will help educate the public about the agency and its services.
DEQ Communications - 11/5/2008 10:16:46 AM
The usual schedule for Enviroschool has been adjusted for the holidays. Enviroschool is a training session presented by the Department of Environmental Quality that helps the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In November, Enviroschool will present Air Permits 101: Understanding the Types of Permits. This session will provide an understanding of several types of Air Permits and examples including Major, Minor, Part 70 and others, the major differences with these permits, and some components of the actual permits. DEQ Communications - 11/5/2008 8:10:22 AM
Cleanup of the Progressive Church 18-acre site in Marrero is completed. In order to build a Family Life Center for the church, friable and non-friable asbestos and some limited hydrocarbon and lead contamination had to be removed. The completion ceremony took place on Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Progressive Church in Marrero. Dr. Alex Appeaning, DEQ Deputy Secretary, presented plaques to the Progressive Church, the Regional Planning Commission and Waldemar S. Nelson and Company to commemorate the successful completion of the project. DEQ Communications - 10/3/2008 10:44:00 AM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will be installing electronic monitoring equipment in conjunction with a water sampling survey on Bayous Lacombe, Big Branch and Cypress in St. Tammany Parish. The equipment will be installed October 6-10. The units will be located near Lacombe.DEQ Communications - 10/3/2008 10:16:11 AM
Gas distributors throughout the state were recently granted a waiver that allows them to use a winter blend of gasoline six weeks earlier than usual for all but 16 parishes. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Quality worked together to approve the waiver that could alleviate fuel interruptions and shortages, as well as to help with recovery from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
DEQ Communications - 10/30/2008 8:04:45 AM
Five recipients were honored for their environmental efforts regarding the Gulf of Mexico with Gulf Guardian awards. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the Gulf of Mexico Program and took place on Oct. 29 at the Hilton Riverside hotel in New Orleans. DEQ Communications - 10/20/2008 1:45:02 PM
Louisiana received a grant of $295,320 to retrofit two of the state's ferry boats to minimize their contribution to air pollution.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality's Clean Diesel grant from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be used to help reduce diesel emissions.
DEQ will be working with the Department of Transportation and Development to retrofit the engines of two ferries in the DOTD fleet, the M/V Acadia, which normally operates at the Plaquemine crossing and M/V St. Francisville, which operates at the St Francisville/New Roads crossing. This effort will help reduce emissions and help improve air quality.DEQ Communications - 10/10/2008 4:07:03 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will be installing electronic monitoring equipment in conjunction with a dye study on Grays Creek in Livingston Parish. The equipment will be installed the week of October 13. The area of the dye study will cover Grays Creek from US Hwy 190 to the La. Hwy 1032 crossing.DEQ Communications - 10/10/2008 7:24:05 AM
World Water Monitoring Day is an annual international education and outreach program that helps build public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources.
This year, DEQ environmental scientists have recruited four local educational organizations to participate and perform water quality tests for dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity and the PH of a selected waterbody. Each organization has selected a testing site where DEQ staff will deliver special water quality test kits and help with the water testing.
DEQ Communications - 10/1/2008 1:04:25 PM
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike left all kinds of debris that must be disposed of properly. Burning that waste causes air pollution. That is one reason open burning of certain materials is prohibited in Louisiana. If you have a trash pile and burn household waste, construction debris or anything other than vegetative matter, you could pay a fine. DEQ Communications - 9/29/2008 8:33:08 AM
Enviroschool is a training session presented by the Department of Environmental Quality that helps the public better understand the agency and how it operates. In October, Enviroschool will present a combination of two topics: Permits 101: Understanding the basics and Air Permits 101: Understanding the process. This session will give you an introduction to water permits, waste permits and in-depth look into the air permitting process. Through this session participants will also become familiar with topics that are universal to all permit programs as well as the types and activities related to permits that are frequently mentionedDEQ Communications - 9/18/2008 2:09:54 PM
Effective today, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will accept e-checks or credit cards for payment of invoices billed to the regulated community.
Those needing to pay their invoices may now initiate payment by accessing the web link at: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/epay and entering their payment information. Under this administration, the electronic payment method has been carefully planned and tested with input from all stakeholders.
DEQ Communications - 9/17/2008 2:06:56 PM
DEQ Communications - 9/16/2008 4:04:09 PM
In the wake of Hurricane Ike, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is working with federal, state and local agencies to conduct numerous inspections in the southwest portion of the state. Assessment teams went out with State Police as soon as the winds subsided to assess the extent of the damage. Assessments are being made along the coast and in affected parishes. These assessments are focused on sites that could potentially be hazardous to human health and the environment.
DEQ Communications - 9/16/2008 11:58:11 AM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, working in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, charged two men in Livingston Parish for illegal dumping violations on August 29.
DEQ Communications - 9/15/2008 11:43:09 AM
DEQ Communications - 9/11/2008 11:32:42 AM
Since Gustav made landfall, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has worked with federal, state and local agencies to conduct numerous inspections of various sites throughout the state. These assessments were aimed at sites that could potentially be hazardous to human health and the environment and started shortly after Gustav made landfall.DEQ Communications - 9/11/2008 10:30:52 AM
Due to Hurricane Gustav and Ike, the following hearings have been postponed until further notice. The public comment period is also continued until further notice: The public hearing scheduled to receive comments on the draft Hazardous Waste Post-Closure Permit and the Associated Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) for the CECOS International, Inc. Westlake Facility previously scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2008, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the Westlake Council Chambers, Westlake, Calcasieu Parish, is postponed until further notice.
The public hearing scheduled to receive comments on a draft hazardous waste operating renewal permit for Rubicon, LLC- Geismar Facility, previously scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2008, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the Geismar Community Center, Geismar, Ascension Parish, is postponed until further notice.
DEQ Communications - 9/8/2008 3:01:28 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality continues to work with local, state and federal agencies to help in the recovery during the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. DEQ has established an Incident Command Center at its downtown Baton Rouge office where daily assignments are handed out to DEQ staff and its partners. The missions are updated in the afternoon. DEQ Communications - 9/8/2008 11:17:51 AM
DEQ Communications - 9/8/2008 3:02:23 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality now has its normal hotline back in order. If someone should have an environmental concern, they should call the DEQ hotline at 225-219-3640 or 1-888-763-5424 for assistance.
These numbers are for environmental hazards or reporting and not for debris removal inquiries. If you have a debris removal question, please call your local parish officials.
The temporary number of 225-219-9919 is no longer the reporting or hotline number.
DEQ Communications - 9/8/2008 5:32:30 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is currently responding to several occurrences of fish kills across Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. These fish kills are associated with low dissolved oxygen in the water, which results from the decaying organic matter washed into water bodies from storm debris and runoff.DEQ Communications - 9/7/2008 9:57:40 AM
BATON ROUGE � Today, Governor Jindal, at the request of the Speaker of the House of Representative, the President of the Senate, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Association of Justice, and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, I signed an executive order today to suspend all deadlines for legal, administrative, and regulatory proceedings in all Louisiana state courts until Friday, September 12, 2008.DEQ Communications - 9/5/2008 9:19:59 PM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted a request for an extension to a waiver of certain fuel requirements, according to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.DEQ Communications - 9/5/2008 9:17:24 PM
Due to Hurricane Gustav, the following hearings have been postponed until further notice. The public comment period is also continued until further noticeDEQ Communications - 9/4/2008 2:06:43 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality expects to see scattered fish kills across Louisiana in the aftermath of Gustav. Most of these fish kills will be associated with low dissolved oxygen in the water. Low dissolved oxygen results from the organic matter washed into the streams, lakes and bays from storm debris and runoff. As the organic matter in the water is assimilated the oxygen levels will return to levels that will support aquatic life.
In addition, the storm surge has pushed salt water further inland than normally found. This is anticipated to impact the aquatic vegetation that is intolerant to a salty environment. These conditions are expected to stabilize and diminish fairly rapidly.
Environmental concerns should be reported atthe Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality at its temporary hotline number of 225-219-9919. The regular hotline is 225-219-3640 or1-888-763-5424 and will be used when power is restored.
A similar fish kill and vegetation disturbance effect was seen following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
DEQ will be conducting aerial and ground reconnaissance, and will be documenting and reporting these conditions.
DEQ Communications - 9/4/2008 11:10:26 AM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality urge residents to use caution when returning to hurricane-damaged homes and buildings. In particular, the agencies advise the following precautions to prevent injury.
Be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, like caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach. Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed. Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed wherever possible.
Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals. Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers, as this may produce dangerous or violent reactions. Do not dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers or toilets. Do not attempt to burn household chemicals.
Building materials may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos that can be breathed in and cause adverse health effects. If materials are suspected to contain asbestos, they should not be disturbed. Some of the most common asbestos-containing materials include boiler/pipe insulation, fireproofing, floor tiles and roofing.
To learn more about activities in EPA Region 6, please visit http://www.epa.gov/hurricane. For information about the LDEQ�s activities, visit http://www.deq.louisiana.gov.
For the latest information on Hurricane Gustav, you can visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.
DEQ Communications - 9/4/2008 10:22:24 AM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) encourage residents in hurricane-affected areas to collect trash and debris and place them curbside for proper disposal. Household chemicals can become hazardous in storm-damaged homes. Examples of materials that may need special disposal or recycling include electronics, batteries, computer hardware, paint, cleaning products, solvents, and lawn and garden products. Where possible, residents should mark containers clearly before placing them out for disposal. Materials should be sorted curbside to help expedite clean up efforts. DEQ recommends placing similar materials together - garbage and food; electronics; appliances and other "white" goods; household hazardous waste, construction debris, and vegetation debris. Leaking containers should be placed in plastic bags to prevent spills. Household hazardous items should never be dumped or poured down drains or storm sewers. EPA and DEQ priorities for disposal are reuse, recycle or compost before disposal.Freezers and refrigerators set out for recycling should have the food removed. For the latest on Hurricane Gustav, you can visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.DEQ Communications - 9/2/2008 4:04:42 PM
State and federal agencies are urging citizens in the area impacted by Gustav to take precautions and stay safe during this post-storm period.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Quality have information on their Web sites concerning safety tips you should take when returning home, operating a portable generator safety and preparing safe drinking water.
Some tips include driving safely to avoid road debris and high water, how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and how to disinfect a private water well.
Get this information and more at www.emergency.louisiana.gov, www.deq.louisiana.gov and www.epa.gov/hurricane.
DEQ Communications - 9/2/2008 4:08:21 PM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the US. Environmental Protection Agency are reminding business and industry owners to report spills to the National Response Center (NRC). The Center is integral to these facilities' long-established procedures in response to natural disasters such as Gustav. The NRC serves as the sole point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological and biological releases in the United States.
Industries, businesses and residents that encounter spills or discharges in the hurricane's aftermath should contact the Center immediately at (800) 424-8802 or (202) 267-2675. The Center is available to take calls 24 hours a day, every day.
The Center supplies EPA's response personnel with incident reports of oil discharges and chemical releases. This information helps EPA determine the Agency's next steps in responding to the natural disaster. The information from the Center's reports, coupled with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Rapid Needs Assessment, will help EPA ensure the protection of public health and the environment. EPA also
coordinates with state and local agencies to support the affected communities.
DEQ Communications - 8/31/2008 4:10:53 PM
Hurricane Gustav - Declaration of Emergency & Administrative Order, signed August 31, 2008. The Secretary of LDEQ has issued a Declaration of Emergency and Administrative Order. In the event of a conflict between the Emergency Declaration and the Debris Management Plan, the provisions of the Emergency Declaration shall prevail. Provisions of the Debris Management Plan not specifically allowed under this Emergency Declaration and Administrative Order include the expanded definition of Construction and Demolition Debris, references to enhanced Construction and Demolition Debris Landfills, and burning of C&D debris. For further information and for a copy of the Debris Management Plan (which is included in the Emergency Declaration as an Appendix), please see the "Orders, waivers, variances, and regulatory issues" page.DEQ Communications - 8/29/2008 2:12:03 PM
Because of the possibility that Gustav could be a major hurricane and could impact Louisiana; the Department of Environmental Quality will be making adjustments to its Web page. By going to www.deq.louisiana.gov you can find information that may be important to you in storm preparations and aftermath.
At the top of the home page is a banner link to the Governor�s hurricane preparedness Web page, www.getagameplan.org. Below that are links to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration�s site, information on updates from the DEQ Incident Command and updated variances and other regulatory occurrences.DEQ Communications - 8/29/2008 10:36:24 AM
A Beaumont, Texas, welding supply business owner and two former employees were sentenced Thursday in connection with conspiracy to violate the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. DEQ Communications - 8/29/2008 7:15:46 AM
As Gustav approaches, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has asked industry and others to take precautions to protect human health and the environment. In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, DEQ and its state, local and federal partners recovered more than six million orphaned drums. These drums ranged in a variety of sizes and contained all kinds of product, some of which could have been damaging to human health or the environment. Many of these containers would not have been of concern had they been properly secured before the storms hit.
DEQ Communications - 8/29/2008 7:11:44 AM
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offer the following hurricane preparedness tips with regard to safekeeping of water treatment facilities.
DEQ Communications - 8/28/2008 2:29:43 PM
The Department of Environmental Quality has issued a Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System wastewater discharge permit to Waste Management's Chef Menteur Construction and Demolition Debris Landfill located in New Orleans East.DEQ Communications - 8/27/2008 3:02:59 PM
The Keep Louisiana Beautiful Program of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality presented their awards in West Monroe on Aug. 22 during the 5th Annual Keep Louisiana Beautiful Conference. Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Inc., a non-profit organization, supports the conference.
The Keep Louisiana Beautiful awards are designed to give special recognition to organizations that have developed outstanding litter prevention, beautification and community improvement, waste reduction and law enforcement programs in their communities. Recipients of the awards may include: nonprofit, civic, community organizations, youth groups, schools, government agencies, businesses and professional organizations.