La. Admin. Code tit. 43 § I-3903

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 6, June 20, 2024

Section I-3903 - Biological Surveys

A. The initial biological survey shall be based on onsite inspection and evaluation and shall be made to determine the quality and value of the beds and grounds expected to be affected by the proposed oil and gas activity.

B. If a preliminary request for arbitration is filed but the owner does not file the initial biological survey report within 60 days of service of the preliminary request for arbitration, the leaseholder may apply to the board for an order to have the initial biological survey made and filed by the owner.

C. Upon completion of the oil and gas activity proposed by the owner, the owner shall have a final biological survey made at the owner's expense and filed with the board together with a request for arbitration within 60 days of completion of the oil and gas activity, to furnish a basis for determination of the actual damage to the leasehold sustained as a result of the oil and gas activity.

D. If the leaseholder believes that the oil and gas activity proposed by the owner has been completed, and that the final biological survey has not been timely made and filed by the owner, the leaseholder may call for a hearing to determine whether the owner has complied with §3903. C hereof. If upon hearing the board finds that the owner has not so complied, the board shall permit the leaseholder to have a final biological survey made and filed together with a request for arbitration, and the reasonable cost of this survey shall be assessed against the owner as part of the actual damage sustained by the leasehold.

E. The board shall engage experts to assist the board in establishing a uniform evaluation method to be followed by certified biologists in determining the quality, condition and value of the oyster beds and grounds before the oil and gas activity takes place and in determining the estimated damage or loss to the leasehold after the activity is completed.

F. The uniform evaluation method adopted by the board shall be made available to all parties and all certified biologists for use in proceedings before the board.

La. Admin. Code tit. 43, § I-3903

Promulgated by Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Secretary, LR 25:308 (February 1999).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 56:700.10 et seq.