2.2 Permit Notices

A business is required to have a permit if they release pollution into the air or water or generate, store, or dispose of toxic material. The business will apply for a permit before building the facility that will release the pollutants or when modifications are made to a facility that releases pollutants. The Louisiana DEQ is tasked with analyzing, issuing and overseeing environmental permits. However it is also important for local residents to be aware of existing permitted facilities in their area as well as new permit applications. As mentioned previously, citizens have an opportunity and responsibility to participate in the permitting process. So how do you keep up with local environmental permits and what should you know about them?

To Stay Informed of Permit Applications Near You:

  • View all current permit applications online: https://www.deq.louisiana.gov/...
  • Sign up to receive permit applications by email by contacting the Public Participation Group in writing at LDEQ, P.O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313 or by email at deq.publicnotices@la.gov
  • You can also call LDEQ Customer Service Center at: (225) 219-LDEQ (219-5337)

Anatomy of a Permit Application Notice

Example of a Permit Application Notice
  1. Type of permit being applied for.
  2. Company name, facility, and Agency Interest number (AI number).
  3. Facility location.
  4. Brief description of what the permit will be for.
  5. Table that shows which pollutants will be released, the quantity that is currently being released (Before) if applicable, the quantity that will be released under the new permit (After), and the change in emissions if applicable.
  6. Information about submitting comments and where to submit them.
  7. If enough people ask for a public hearing about the proposed permit then DEQ will hold one. Be sure to ask for a public hearing.
  8. Information about where the full permit application can be viewed.
  9. Information about additional locations that the full permit application can be viewed, typically near the facility location.
  10. Facility AI Number, Permit Number, and Activity Number. Should be included on . all correspondence about permit application.
  11. Date that permit application notice was published. This is the beginning of the public comment period which is usually 30 days. More information about public comment periods for LADEQ permit applications can be found here.
  12. Any attachments of additional documents available with application notice.NOTE: only available on electronic notices found on the DEQ website or received via email.

Questions to Keep in Mind:

  • How close is the facility to your community? Proximity to certain businesses can be a problem. Refineries, chemical plants, landfills etc. should not be near anyone's home. Conflicting land-uses can have negative impacts on health, quality of life and property value.
  • What pollutants are/will be emitted? Are their potential health impacts associated with these pollutants? You can look up health related data for specific chemicals here.
  • Will any emissions be increasing? When it comes to emissions, less is better, zero is best.
  • How will this permit/facility affect your community? Does the proposed activity improve your community? Does it put you at risk? Will it produce hazardous emissions, noise, light pollution, or increased traffic?
  • Would you like a public hearing about this application? If so, you may need to request one. Do this by emailing deq.publicnotices@la.gov or by mail to: Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Environmental Services, Public Participation and Permit Support Division, PPG Supervisor, P.O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
  • How long do you have until the public comment period is over? Make sure you have adequate time to gather the information you need and to prepare your comments.
  • Do you need additional help to understand the permit application, or develop comments? We can help! Contact US
2.1 Public Participation
2.3 Preparing Public Comments