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Water Enforcement
Compliance consists not only of meeting regulatory requirements but also of the enforcement actions that ensure those requirements are upheld. The Surveillance Division conducts routine inspections once a permit is issued, with the frequency and rotation determined by the type of permit and the level of oversight needed. Enforcement may be initiated when violations are identified during inspections, but it can also stem from agency file reviews, reported incidents, or facility releases that indicate a potential breach of regulatory standards.
Naz Zanjani-Bachar, Manager
Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 4312
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4312
Email: deqenforcement@la.gov
Phone: 225-219-3722
Fax: 225-219-3330
Scott Pierce, Environmental Scientist Senior
Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 4312
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4312
Email: deqenforcement@la.gov
Phone: 225-219-3723
Fax: 225-219-3330
Shane Miller, Environmental Scientist Senior
Surveillance Division
Discipline: Water
111 New Center Drive
Lafayette, LA 70508
Email: shane.miller2@la.gov
Phone: 337-262-5586
Jeffrey Leonick, Environmental Scientist Senior
Surveillance Division
Discipline: Water
990 North Corporate Drive, Suite 102
New Orleans, LA 70123
Email: jeffrey.leonick@la.gov
Phone: 504-736-7717
About Water Enforcement
The Enforcement Division receives referrals resulting from inspections and/or file reviews performed by Department personnel to determine the degree of compliance with the State of Louisiana Environmental Regulations. The Enforcement Division is divided into four (4) sections. The Water Enforcement Section receives referrals that contain violations of the Water Quality Regulations. These regulations are codified in Title 33 of the Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC). The Water Enforcement Section determines the appropriate course of action based on the findings and nature of the violations noted in the referrals. The Water Enforcement Section also includes the Permit Compliance Unit.
View the Water Forms and Applications page to access forms, applications, and guidance documents pertaining to Water Quality.
Permit Compliance Unit
The Water Enforcement Section is divided into two groups: Water Enforcement Writers and the Permit Compliance Unit (PCU). The PCU has two primary roles.
- Manage the entry and accuracy of Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) data into the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) national database.
- Act as the LDEQ Network Discharge Montiroing Report (NetDMR) Helpdesk. NetDMR is a web-based tool that allows facilities to electronically submit LPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) to LDEQ. Visit the LDEQ NetDMR Page for access to NetDMR, Training Information & Materials, and FAQs.
Act 144 - The Community Sewerage System Infrastructure Sustainability Act (Act 144)
Act 144 was enacted by the Louisiana State Legislature to provide:
- development and implementation of a community sewerage system accountability process
- assurance to the residents that the quality of sewerage treatment is monitored and maintained
- accountability of local government and other entities operating community sewerage systems
- consequences for systems that do not achieve state and federal standards
- transparent regulatory compliance and fiscal accountability
Related LDEQ Webpages
Louisiana's Water Quality Regulations (LAC 33:Chapter IX) require permits for the discharge of pollutants from any point source into waters of the state of Louisiana. This permitting process is administered under the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) program by LDEQ's Water Permits Division.
The LDEQ Wastewater Technical Assistance (TA) funds provide selected community wastewater systems with a system-wide assessment and evaluation, targeting the non-compliance issues. A report, including a primary recommendation and alternative to get the system back into compliance, will be provided.
Visit the LDEQ Wastewater Technical Assistance (TA) Opportunities page.
The Department issues enforcement actions (by month & year) and settlements (by year).
The Small Business Environmental Community Assistance Program (SBEAP) provides environmental regulatory assistance and information to small businesses and communities.
Visit the LDEQ's Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) page.
Other Water Quality Related Webpages
Louisiana Rural Water Association (LRWA) is a non-profit organization established to assist small water and wastewater systems through training, on-site technical assistance, and state operator certification.
Visit the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Operator Certification Program page.
Operators of both Water and Wastewater are required to meet requirements set forth by the Enironmental Protection Agency, the Committee of Certification, and as required by State law.
Visit EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) page.
EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) provides compliance and enforcement information including permit, inspection, violation, enforcement action, and penalty information about regulated facilities.