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Secretary Dr. Chuck Carr Brown of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”) issued a March 20th Amended Declaration of Emergency Administrative Order (“Order”). See In the Matter of Public Health Emergency Event Name: COVID-19 – Agency Interest No. 221899.
The Order was issued addressing issues related to the environmental regulations and statutes that LDEQ administers that have been affected by the COVID-19 virus.
The Order in its “Findings and Declaration” references:
- The Public Health Emergency in the State of Louisiana related to COVID-19
- The Louisiana Governor’s proclamation of a statewide public health emergency exists in the State
- Recognition that the Order applies statewide (i.e., the Emergency Area)
- COVID-19 has created or will create conditions requiring immediate action to prevent serious threats to life or safety
The Order addresses the following:
- Public Notice and Public Participation Procedures Regarding Proposed Permit Actions (postponing scheduled public hearings and adjustment of public comment periods)
- Records Management (noting availability of documents)
- General Conditions (referencing relief is only provided for the duration of the Order and is limited to LDEQ regulatory proprietary requirements)
- General Limitations (only addresses issues related to COVID-19)
- Electronic Submittals to the Department for Permitting (referencing how submittals are provided to LDEQ)
- Other Authorizations Required (clarifying the Order does not address any other federal, state, or local permits)
- Extension of Time to Comply with Specified Deadlines (certain extensions are provided)
- Completion of Authorized Activities (noting activities authorized under the Order must be commenced before the expiration of the Order unless otherwise provided in an authorization or permit)
A copy of the Order can be downloaded here.
