News Release Archives

Two DEQ employees receive awards at the Louisiana Solid Waste Conference

Two long time DEQ employees received prestigious awards for service at the recent Louisiana Solid Waste Association's Environmental Partnership of Business, Industry and Government Conference in Lafayette.

04/01/14
2014 Louisiana Envirothon held at LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

The 2014 Louisiana Envirothon was held at the Botanic Gardens of the LSU AgCenter. Eight teams from around the state participated in the environmental problem-solving competition for students in grades 6 -12. Teams trained and competed by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management. The competition focuses on five natural resource areas: soils and land use, aquatic resources, forestry, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. The 2014 current environmental issue was Sustainable Local Agriculture/Locally Grown. Teams also presented a solution to an environmental problem related to the current issue through an oral presentation.

04/01/14
Seven arrested for knowingly submitting false records to DEQ

Today, the Louisiana Environmental Crimes Task Force completed the arrests of seven individuals for knowingly filing or maintaining false public records with DEQ in connection with the vehicle emissions program. Investigators within the Criminal Investigation Division of DEQ, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Public Safety conducted the multi-agency investigation.

03/24/14
EPA issues order to Army to address abandoned explosives

On March 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an order through its Region 6 office in Dallas to the U.S. Department of the Army to address 15 million pounds of abandoned explosives and propellant stored on the grounds of Camp Minden in Minden.

03/19/14
DEQ to host free training sessions on air permitting

DEQ will host four free training sessions across the state on Air Permitting 201: Understanding the Details. These sessions will provide more in depth information on air permitting in Louisiana. Participants will learn how the air regulations apply to the development of a permit. Specific examples will be discussed and will cover samples of each typical document included in the permits.

03/11/14
DEQ 2014 Environmental Leadership Awards presented

Today, DEQ hosted the Environmental Leadership Awards. DEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch was joined by Representative Gordon Dove, House Natural Resources and Environment Committee chair, to recognize environmental achievements. New and existing members of ELP were commended for their voluntary pollution prevention efforts and community environmental outreach initiatives. The ceremony highlighted projects that went above and beyond regulatory compliance to substantially improve the quality of the environment.

02/26/14
The City of Kenner works with DEQ to address historical sewer problems

The City of Kenner is working hard with various offices at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to address its historical sewer problems related to both collection and treatment systems.

02/11/14
DEQ sends reminder about open burning regulations

It is dry in Louisiana right now and wildfires could be started easily, so it is important to know the regulations and laws concerning open burning in the state. When people burn waste, it causes air pollution and, in some cases, can be illegal. 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 be subject to a fine.

01/22/14