Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

LDEQ is hiring Environmental Scientists. Follow the link to learn more about this and other open positions at #LDEQ — and apply today! #environmentalscientist #jobseekers https://lnkd.in/e4_uRXrQ

#LDEQ sends congratulations to Louisiana State University for earning a spot in the Texas Bowl this season! Best of luck against Baylor on December 31st — and #GeauxTigers! #lsufootball #louisianaproud

Thank you, Governor Landry!

LDEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto held the agency’s 2nd All Employee Town Hall this morning with staff from all around the State to celebrate the agency’s incredible accomplishments in 2024 and to recognize the hard work and commitment of the team at LDEQ. We were honored to welcome Governor Jeff Landry, who made a special appearance to offer important insights on his agenda and future priorities for Louisiana and LDEQ. Thank you to Governor Landry and to the entire staff of LDEQ for their contributions — and for building a year of success for the record books.

Happy World Soil Day! Soil sampling is a critical process in environmental remediation involving the collection and analysis of soil to assess contamination levels, monitor environmental health and guide cleanup efforts. By identifying the composition and contamination levels of the soil, LDEQ environmental scientists can make informed decisions about remedial efforts to ensure public safety, as well as proper installation of monitoring wells to examine subsurface conditions. Logging boring logs allows LDEQ to gather valuable data that guides where wells are placed for the most effective groundwater monitoring and contamination control. “What I enjoy most about this work is confirming the lithology (the general physical characteristics of rocks) and the confidence it brings in the placement of well screens in the field,” said LDEQ Environmental Scientist Myles Thomas, “Ultimately, knowing each data point brings us closer to a cleaner, safer environment.”

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s (LDEQ) Expedited Permit Program, established in 2006, represents an innovative approach to speeding up environmental permit approvals while not compromising on oversight. Read more here by clicking the link below. https://lnkd.in/e_SV5SBv

Congratulations to LDEQ’s Employee of the Month for November: Daniel Lambert! Following an open call for nominations, Daniel was selected for his outstanding work as Staff Scientist Senior in the Emergency and Radiological Services Division of the Office of Environmental Compliance. As a senior member of his team, Daniel plays a pivotal role in the Division's success. He provides training to new employees, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in their work. His efforts in acquiring new equipment have significantly enhanced the Division's efficiency and capabilities across the board. Further, Daniel has displayed invaluable leadership for the agency during Hurricane Season, expertly guiding our emergency response efforts to ensure the safety and preparedness of the entire team. Daniel's dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment have made a remarkable impact, and LDEQ is proud to honor him as our Employee of the Month. Pictured: LDEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto (L) and Assistant Secretary for the Office of Environmental Compliance Jerry Lang (R) present the award to Daniel.

LDEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto awarded the coveted Wooden Spoon prize to the winning entries at the 2024 Chili Cook-Off held during Spirit Week at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.  LDEQ’s event helped to raise money for the State Charity Contribution Fund, with participants entering their own recipes that covered a wide variety, from lobster chili to ghost pepper.  Over $274 was raised at this event, helping LDEQ to get closer to its goal of $5,000 for the campaign.  Tina Gassen won first place, with Brad Bourgoyne and John Babin taking home second and third place, respectively, and all look forward to competing next year.   

LDEQ proudly announces the official establishment of the Louisiana Military Environmental Alliance (LMEA), a groundbreaking program designed to accelerate environmental restoration and resource management at Department of Defense (DOD)-managed and State-owned National Guard properties in Louisiana. This initiative — a product of significant planning and interagency coordination with DOD and Louisiana National Guard — will prioritize safety, ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management across military and former military properties throughout the State. “Louisiana is crucial to our National Security — not only for energy but also for our critically important military and defense infrastructure. It’s imperative to restore these lands,“ said LDEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto, "By working together with DOD and the Louisiana National Guard to employ remediation efforts and sustainable practices to safeguard the health, safety and the protection of our Nation’s security while also fostering long-term environmental health." Learn more about LMEA’s efforts at https://lnkd.in/eqfJ7Dsi.

LDEQ's Intergovernmental League Softball Team defends its title and is crowned winners of the 2024 Season! LDEQ employees competed in the inter-governmental softball league championship for the second year in a row and brought home another championship win for the agency. Congrats, and great job, team!