Water Quality Project

Louisiana Environmental Action Network

To support documentation of current water quality problems and monitor the implementation of water quality protection programs.

While Louisiana is home to rich freshwater resources, including rivers, streams, bayous and wetlands, it also hosts a significant number of petrochemical facilities, half of which are located on the Mississippi River. Louisiana leads the nation in the discharge of toxic chemicals into surface waters and generates the second highest toxic releases in the country. Forty-seven percent of the major dischargers in Louisiana are releasing pollution to surface waters under expired permits. This permit backlog means that dischargers are releasing toxins and other pollutants to the environment at levels not considered safe under current standards.//Funding will enable the network to improve the quality of surface water in Louisiana through activities that include monitoring implementation of federal "total maximum daily load" requirements; monitoring compliance with permit conditions; analyzing toxic release inventory data; researching Mississippi River contamination; raising citizen understanding of water quality issues; and providing technical assistance.//The Louisiana Environmental Action Network was founded in 1986. Its mission is to "foster cooperation and communication among individuals and organizations to address the environmental problems of Louisiana."

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