SHREVEPORT, La. – A resolution seeking ways to reduce noise at oil and gas drilling sites near residential areas and an ordinance to increase transaction costs at OMV are among the items to be considered by the Caddo Commission on Thursday.
These and a host of other bills were pushed ahead of Monday’s working session with limited discussion.
Noise resolution is addressed to the Natural Resources Division of the Louisiana Department of Conservation. It calls on DNR to consider the impact of noise and noise when granting or denying permits for oil and gas drilling.
Commissioner John Paul Young said drilling is taking place near neighbors in Districts 4 and 12 and some companies are making “a lot of noise”.
No one questions the importance of fracking to the local economy, but “we want to consider the implications, especially as it gets closer and closer to the neighborhood,” Young said.
Commissioner John Paul also said he supports the oil and gas industry but there must be a way to protect operations so they do not pose a “nuisance or danger to our citizens”.
He suggested a visit to the Bossier Parish Police Jury, which has experience handling similar concerns.
OMV fee
A proposed regulation, if approved, would impose a $4.50 fee for each service or transaction at the Shreveport Motor Vehicles office. The fee would not be levied on those obtaining or renewing a motor vehicle registration.
The commission found that not all costs of the OMV office are fully funded by the state. Local authorities are empowered under state law to charge a fee for services.
Commissioner Todd Hopkins asked if the fee would also be collected at the Vivian office. But an OMV manager said the fee is already being collected there.
According to Commissioner Roy Epperson, the fee is the first step in getting an OMV office in West Shreveport. “The first step in making that happen,” he said.
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