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Waste
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) oversees the management of waste to protect communities, natural habitats, and the state’s diverse landscapes. Waste oversight involves a network of interconnected components, with multiple divisions contributing their expertise to carry out essential functions. These functions include permitting, waste evaluation and planning, oversight of waste activities, compliance assurance, and public‑facing support. Together, these coordinated efforts help ensure that waste is handled in a manner that safeguards human health and the environment.
A key function within waste management is Permitting, which establishes the conditions under which facilities may generate, transport, treat, store, or dispose of waste. Several divisions participate in reviewing applications, assessing technical information, and confirming that proposed operations align with state and federal requirements. This shared responsibility helps maintain safe practices and ensures that waste facilities operate within protective environmental standards.
LDEQ also conducts extensive Monitoring and Reporting to track waste‑related activities throughout the state. This includes reviewing facility submissions, conducting field observations, and maintaining records that document waste generation and movement. Monitoring provides valuable information for decision‑makers and helps ensure transparency for the public. Several divisions work together to collect, verify, and communicate this information.
Ensuring adherence to waste‑management requirements is carried out through Enforcement functions. These activities include inspections, complaint investigations, compliance reviews, and enforcement actions when necessary. Divisions across the agency collaborate by providing technical evaluations, legal support, and follow‑up oversight. Enforcement helps maintain consistent waste‑handling practices and protects Louisiana’s residents and natural resources.
To support regulated entities and the public, LDEQ offers a comprehensive Forms and Applications section dedicated to waste‑related activities. This resource includes permit applications, reporting forms, instructions, guidance materials, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). These documents are developed and maintained by multiple divisions to ensure they reflect current regulations and provide clear direction for users.