RDCSB585 341 5209
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Mills SB No. 585
Proposed law requires public hearings before issuing permits to drill or operate a new
solution-mined cavern or expand or convert an existing solution-mined cavern in Iberia
Parish. Requires the commissioner of conservation to promulgate rules for the public
hearing.
Proposed law requires public notice on three separate days within a period of 30 days prior
to the public hearing.
Proposed law requires the applicant, at least 30 days prior to the public hearing, to submit
a report to the commissioner of conservation, the Iberia Parish governing authority, and Save
Lake Peigneur, Inc. The report is to provide a baseline analysis of groundwater in the area
of a permitted activity including both the water level and salt content; a plan for monitoring
the groundwater in the area for levels and salt during the activity permitted; a geologic
analysis of the integrity of the salt dome; and the results of an analysis of testing that
attempts to determine the source and composition of the foaming or bubbling appearing in
Lake Peigneur.
Proposed law prohibits the issuance of permits in Iberia Parish prior to Jan. 31, 2016.
Proposed law provides that these requirements are not applicable to any activity or operation
related to safety, maintenance, inspection, testing, or regulatory compliance.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 30:4(N))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the engrossed bill.
1. Removes Vermilion Parish from the bill.
2. Bifurcates permits for activities related to "new" caverns and permits for
activities related to "existing" caverns.
3. Prohibits issuance of a permit until after the public hearing and requires the
commissioner to adopt rules and regulations for the public hearing.
4. Requires the applicant, at least 30 days prior to the public hearing, to submit a
report to the commissioner of conservation, the Iberia Parish governing authority,
and Save Lake Peigneur, Inc. The report is to provide a baseline analysis of
groundwater in the area of a permitted activity including both the water level and
salt content; a plan for monitoring the groundwater in the area for levels and salt
during the activity permitted; a geologic analysis of the integrity of the salt
dome; and the results of an analysis of testing that attempts to determine the
source and composition of the foaming or bubbling appearing in Lake Peigneur.
5. Prohibits the issuance of permits in Iberia Parish prior to Jan. 31, 2016.
6. Provides that these requirements are not applicable to any activity or operation
related to safety, maintenance, inspection, testing, or regulatory compliance.