According to the Louisiana State Auditor, LDEQ relies on paper reporting:
“DEQ relies on coordination of paper-based systems among several divisions. Information is often walked from department to department and entered into its data system, Advantage RM, or scanned into a separate system for documentation. According to DEQ management, they are working on drafting regulations for electronic reporting so that facilities would not be required to physically mail in the numerous reports they are required to submit, and DEQ staff will not be responsible for scanning in each one as they currently do for self-monitoring reports. Electronic methods of delivery within the department and with the facilities they regulate may decrease the time spent on regulation activities for all divisions within DEQ.” (Louisiana Legislative Auditor 2021, 19)
“Additional data issues exist, including accuracy and completeness, which limit the ability of DEQ management to use Advantage RM to monitor performance and compliance with required activities. DEQ management does not currently have reports that can readily identify how much it has assessed in penalties and what penalties are outstanding or have been paid. DEQ could not easily provide us this information. Not tracking penalty assessments and payments increases the risk that unpaid penalties may go unnoticed. Furthermore, according to DEQ staff, there are only a few employees that have the knowledge to pull reports from Advantage RM. “ (Louisiana Legislative Auditor 2021, 19)
Louisiana Legislative Auditor. 2021. “Monitoring and Enforcement of Air Quality. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.” https://app2.lla.state.la.us/publicreports.nsf/0/bbc259a7e7a73cfa8625713b002c8e7b/$file/00001572.pdf?openelement&.7773098.
