State Mineral and Energy Board

BOARD ANNOUNCES LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN LEASING BAN TO CONTINUE

The State Mineral Board voted today at its monthly meeting to continue the moratorium on mineral leasing in Lake Pontchartrain. Mineral Board Chairman Monica Surprenant said the Board unanimously agreed to take action on the issue before the expiration of the current ban imposed in August 1998.

In April 1995, the Board established an advisory committee to receive public input and industry's views on the effects of leasing in Lake Pontchartrain. Since that time, the Board has not allowed mineral leasing in the lake.

Last year, the Board's staff, the state's Office of Mineral Resources, contracted with the Louisiana Geological Survey to provide a current environmental assessment and geologic report on Lake Pontchartrain. The Survey's final report will be submitted to the Office of Mineral Resources by July 31, 2000.

According to Mineral Board Secretary Gus Rodemacher, the action by Board members today will extend the moratorium indefinitely while the latest report and other geological findings are under review and evaluation.

Editors: For more information, please contact the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mineral Resources, Mineral Board Secretary Gus Rodemacher at 225-343-4607 or 225-342-8955.