General DNR News
E. TIMBALIER BARRIER ISLAND TO GROW UNDER $8.88 MILLION PROJECT
A New Orleans marine dredging firm will soon create 240 acres of new wetlands on Louisiana's East Timbalier Island in order to extend the life of this deteriorating barrier island and continue its protection of Timbalier Bay and area wildlife, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today.
DNR SECRETARY JACK CALDWELL TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS TODAY ON OCS REVENUE SHARING BILL
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Jack C. Caldwell testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources in favor of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999, a bill sponsored so far by a bi-partisan group of 50 congressmen, including Billy Tauzin, Chris John and Richard Baker. The bill would share federal offshore oil and gas revenues with the states, bringing about $340 million a year to Louisiana if passed.
DNR’S COASTAL ADMINISTRATOR HONORED FOR CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND COAST 2050 PLAN
Dr. Bill Good, Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Restoration Administrator, was given the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Professional Conservationist of the Year award in February at ceremonies held in Lafayette. Good was honored for his leadership and dedication to the Coast 2050 initiative.
COMMISSIONER OF CONSERVATION MEETS WITH TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSION
Commissioner Philip N. Asprodites met with his Texas counterpart, Charles Matthews, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, in January to discuss the current status of the oil and gas industry. The Office of Conservation and the Texas Railroad Commission regulate the oil and gas industries in their respective states. Commissioner Asprodites and Chairman Matthews discussed possible severance tax relief on oil production when the price drops below a certain level. Commissioner Asprodites supports the proposal of the Louisiana Independent Oil and Gas Association that would redefine incapable wells as stripper wells when oil prices fall below fifteen dollars a barrel, thereby suspending the collection of severance taxes on incapable wells. The fiscal impact of such a freeze would be less than three million dollars to the state treasury.
ABANDONED OILFIELD SITE NEAR LSU NOW UNDER CLEANUP AND RESTORATION BY DNR
Orphaned and abandoned oilfield sites across the state are getting attention and being restored under the state’s Oilfield Site Restoration Program, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials revealed today in Baton Rouge. An orphaned oilfield site drilled in 1948, and located just south of LSU’s campus was visited this morning by news media, local and state officials, environmentalists, and others close to the project.
MANAGEMENT CHANGES ANNOUNCED AT DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
BATON ROUGE -- Governor Mike Foster has announced management changes in the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Randy Hanchey who has served as DNR deputy secretary for the past year, has been named to manage Louisiana's coastal program as assistant secretary for the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management; Katherine Vaughan, now assistant secretary for the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management, will take on the responsibilities as deputy secretary of DNR.
DNR'S WEBSITE TAKES ON NEW GLOBAL LOOK
The state Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) information exchange on the World Wide Web is now better than ever. Beginning today, web users and DNR's many constituents including business and industry, teachers and students, and energy consumers will find a new global look and enhanced design at www.dnr.state.la.us.
EXTENSION OF OILFIELD WASTE TESTING EMERGENCY RULE INCLUDES TIGHTER REQUIREMENTS
BATON ROUGE—Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation Philip Asprodites today issued a fourth Emergency Rule under Statewide Order No. 29-B to continue validating and analyzing oilfield waste samples for up to 120 days, but imposing tighter restrictions that require produced saltwater and pipeline test water to be stored in closed containers and to be injected in Class II wells. According to Commissioner Asprodites and officials at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), validation and analysis of the waste samples from the state’s commercial disposal facilities are nearly complete and a permanent rule is not far behind. DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell said, “Technical consultants should be forthcoming with the requested health risk analysis. Shortly after we receive that study, Commissioner Asprodites will issue the permanent rule that will determine acceptable storage, treatment and disposal methods of oil and gas exploration and production waste.” Commissioner Asprodites said, “Best management practices based on established E&P waste profiles, specific storage, treatment and disposal practices will lead to the draft of the permanent rule. We’ll then present the new rule in public hearings. We anticipate having a draft plan by spring of this year.” DNR officials issued the first Emergency Rule in May 1998 to gather technical data that would show the chemical and physical makeup of E&P waste disposed at permitted commercial waste disposal facilities across the state. The amended rule can be found on the Internet within the DNR homepage at http://www.dnr.state.la.us/sec/execdiv/pubinfo/newsr/finaler6.pdf Editors: For more information, please contact the Office of Conservation at 225-342-5500 or DNR Public Information at 225-342-4844.
SPECIAL FORUM CALLED BY LOUISIANA MINERAL BOARD
The State Mineral Board will hold a special meeting in February to focus on the current oil industry's crisis and its impact in Louisiana. The meeting is scheduled to follow the next regular Mineral Board meeting in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, February 10 at 1:30 pm.
DNR EMPLOYEES TO PARTICIPATE IN CALL FOR BLOOD IN COMMUNITY
BATON ROUGE---The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging its personnel to "give blood" in an effort to aid local blood service centers and area hospitals. DNR employees participating in the effort will be allowed time to donate blood on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week.