Reply #102: latest from times picayune

[steve2470]

Wednesday, August 31, 2005



DEQ flyover finds few environmental problems
Wednesday, 12:04 a.m.

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality officials flew over
flooded southeastern Louisiana on Tuesday, looking for oil and chemical
spills and other environmental threats, said department spokesman Daniel
Mann.

While what looked like a slight oily sheen was found around at least
one refinery in Chalmette, few other problems were spotted in the initial
fly-over, Mann said.

Officials will make a second inspection from the air today.
The environmental agency also has issued an emergency declaration
reducing regulatory requirements resulting from problems caused by Katrina
in southeastern parishes stretching from East Baton Rouge to Plaquemines
and as far west as St. Martin.

“After such a terrible disaster, the No. 1 priority is human health and
emergency response,” said DEQ Secretary Mike McDaniel. “This
authorization will allow areas impacted by the hurricane to recover, cleanup and
rebuild faster because the regulatory process will be reduced.”

The order is intended to expedite repairs to facilities like sewage and
water treatment plants, and to speed clean-up of solid wastes, burning
debris and animal carcasses without DEQ’s oversight.
Meanwhile, the federal Environmental Protection Agency reminded
businesses that they’re required to report any spills of hazardous chemicals
at [phone] or [phone].






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Tuesday, August 30, 2005



Children's Hospital under seige
Tuesday, 11:45 p.m.

Late Tuesday, Gov. Blanco spokeswoman Denise Bottcher described a disturbing scene unfolding in uptown New Orleans, where looters were trying to break into Children's Hospital.

Bottcher said the director of the hospital fears for the safety of the staff and the 100 kids inside the hospital. The director said the hospital is locked, but that the looters were trying to break in and had gathered outside the facility.

The director has sought help from the police, but, due to rising flood waters, police have not been able to respond.

Bottcher said Blanco has been told of the situation and has informed the National Guard. However, Bottcher said, the National Guard has also been unable to respond.
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http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/