Entergy Commits to Address Sound Issues at Bogalusa Plant

Addressing the Washington Parish Council meeting Monday (November 23, 2020) evening, Entergy Representative Jody Montelaro advised that Entergy is committing to address the sound issues raised at the two previous meetings of the Council. Sound testing has started and a plan is being made to mitigate the noise levels. Coordination has involved Entergy representatives, Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, and residents in the area. A timeline will be developed for what will be done and when. 

Questions were asked and comments made by Parish President Thomas, Council Members and residents. One resident advised that he resided 2270 feet from the plant, was having sounds levels of 60 to 80 decibels, and could not even hear his central air unit.

In other business, the Council 

• approved an Ordinance adopting the 2021 Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Outlay Budget for the Washington Parish Government
• approved an Ordinance entering into a contract with Landworks, Inc. for the operation of the Choctaw Road Landfill
• approved resolutions of appointment for the Washington Parish Fire District No. 5 Board of Directors (Freddie Jefferson and Willie Peters), the Washington Parish Fire District No. 3 Board of Directors (Justin Porche and Larry Magee), and the Washington Parish Utility Gas District No. 2 Board of Directors (Gary Wheat and Dennis Warren)
• approved the engagement of Kushner Lagraize, L.L.C. to perform audit services for the Washington Parish Government.

During the Public Participation segment, Darryl Peterson reported that the Washington Republican Parish Executive Committee endorses the 10 mil tax renewal proposition on the December 5, 2020 ballot. Peterson stated that they see where tax dollars are being spent wisely. Peterson also advised that he is a candidate (#216) for Republican State Central Committee District 12E.

President Thomas reported that the parish government central office has been hit hard by COVID-19, with four having tested positive. Thomas also commented on the importance of passing the tax renewal proposition on the December 5, 2020 ballot. Click here for more on this in a previous article.

Finance Director Donna Alonzo and Public Works Director Ken Wheat provided reports to the Council. Following Council Discussion, the meeting adjourned.