Entergy Updates Council on Bogalusa Plant Noise Abatement

Entergy representative Patrick Hamby reported to the Washington Parish Council Monday (January 25, 2021) that plans to address their Bogalusa plant noise concerns are on track and promised significant noise reduction, with more specifics about decibel levels to be given in their next report in a month. The plan previous reported is to replace horizontal duct work with wider duct, add acoustical barrier roof between the duct work and close to the actual turbines, and insulate the expansion joints. Hamby reported that Entergy has conducted more noise testing, engaged engineers and noise specialists and determined the scope of work. Start of work will should begin in June, 2021 to be completed by the end of the third quarter or the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2021. (See his comments beginning at 8:55 into video of the meeting.) 

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In addition to other routine matters, the Council heard a report from Beth Putnam with the LSU Ag Center and heard from Colonel Chad Conerly, a candidate for Louisiana 5th Congressional District.

In his report to the Council (beginning at 25:30 into video of the meeting), Parish President Richard N. Thomas, Jr. 

• complimented Public Works Director Wheat, Finance Director Graham, and Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Breland on the work they do
• reported on the International Paper's recent announcement of a $52 million investment in their facility, great news for Washington Parish and the City of Bogalusa
• reported on current COVID-19 testing being done at Cassidy Park in Bogalusa
• reported on current COVID-19 vaccinations available  in the Parish: Creel Pharmacy in Pine, Sumrall Pharmacy in Angie, and Nielson's Pharmacy in Bogalusa
• reported the statistics on COVID-19 (an increase of cases and deaths) in Washington Parish and
• answered a question from Councilman Fornea regarding enforcement of the “thru-roads” ordinance. The ordinances on the books regulate big trucks on parish roads.  The discussion also included the ongoing issue of litter and litter enforcement in the parish

Following remarks by members of the Council, the meeting adjourned.