General DNR News
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.
MINERAL BOARD POSTS DECEMBER LEASE SALE
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale December 9, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1998-99 Fiscal Year totals.
NOVEMBER MINERAL LEASE SALE ANNOUNCED BY BOARD
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale November 10, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1998-99 Fiscal Year totals.
DNR GEOLOGIST RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG ) has honored Dr. Madhurendu B. Kumar with its Presidential Certificate of Merit for his leadership as General Chairman of the 1998 AIPG National Conference held in October in Baton Rouge. The award also recognized his latest publication, Issues and Answers on Petroleum in the Environment, which was presented at AIPG's 35th annual conference at the Baton Rouge Hilton.
Unprecedented Consensus: COAST 2050 PLAN APPROVED BY STATE WETLANDS AUTHORITY, CWPPRA TASK FORCE, 20 COASTAL PARISHES
BATON ROUGE – In an unprecedented joint meeting this week of the State Wetlands Authority and the CWPPRA (Coastal Wetlands Protection, Preservation and Restoration Act, or Breaux Act) Task Force, the Coast 2050 Plan strategies and habitat objectives were approved. The Coast 2050 strategies and the model of parish involvement used in the planning process have been unanimously approved by all 20 coastal Louisiana parishes.
COASTAL PARISHES TO RECEIVE DNR GRANTS
Twelve coastal parishes in the state will receive grants this year to implement their local coastal programs. The Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Management Division announced this week that award monies to local governments for coastal management plans have been approved under provisions of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.
EMERGENCY RULE FOR OILFIELD WASTE TESTING AMENDED, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials have amended Statewide Order No. 29-B starting October 1, continuing oilfield waste testing at commercial disposal facilities for 120 days, while eliminating exploration and production (E&P) waste testing at the well sites.
Coast 2050 Time Capsule Event Held Today at Thibodaux Festival
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Jack Caldwell today presented to Nicholls State University a piece of history in the form of a "Time Capsule" for safekeeping until the year 2050. The Time Capsule presentation took place during the opening event of the Barataria-Terrebonne Culture and Ecological Festival at Peltier Park in Thibodaux. The capsule contains plans, policies, letters, maps and videos associated with the state's Coast 2050 planning initiative from the years 1997-1998.