Office of Conservation

LONG-AWAITED EQUIPMENT TO ASSIST CONSERVATION EFFORTS

The Department of Natural Resources's (DNR) Office of Conservation Enforcement agents will soon cruise the bayous and waterways of south Louisiana and near offshore in its new vessel named "29-Bee". 29-B references to the established rules and regulations that govern oil and gas drilling, production, and disposal operations in Louisiana.

Conservation Commissioner George Carmouche said that the office has been in need of a new boat and other special equipment for enforcement agents to handle their workload at a more efficient pace. DNR conservation agents are charged with patrolling and inspecting numerous oil and gas facilities in the state.

The new boat is a 20-foot aluminum vee-hull craft equipped with navigation and safety features, flood lights, ring buoy, deck hose, etc. It is now receiving final inspections and preparation before it leaves the shipbuilding site in New Iberia headed for Conservation's Lafayette district office. 29-Bee is being constructed by Marine Transportation Systems, Inc.

Carmouche explained that the boat was named through a contest held within the Office of Conservation where employees submitted suggested names for the vessel. The judges of the contest selected the name and awarded the winner a "guest of honor" seat aboard the maiden voyage to be held near the end of September.

Editors: For more information, please contact the DNR Public Information Office at (504) 342-8955 or Conservation Office at (504) 342-5500.