On May 21, 2025, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ” or “the Department”) officially approved the use of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), or drones, for visual inspections of aboveground storage tanks under LAC 33:III.2103.D.2.e.[1]
LDEQ estimated a potential $4 million in annual savings for the Louisiana aboveground storage tank community by reducing the need for scaffolding, cranes, and other equipment required by traditional visual inspection methods.
Drone Requirements for Tank Inspections
Prior to implementing drones for tank inspections, Louisiana facilities should ensure that the technical specifications of any drone used meet the requirements identified by LDEQ. The Department also encourages use of models approved by the U.S. Department of Defense.[2]
SOPs Ensure Compliance and Safety During Inspections
Louisiana facilities with aboveground tanks should update or prepare policies and standard operating procedures (“SOPs”) before using drones for tank inspections. Procedures may include:
- direction for ensuring that the drone system specifications are compliant;
- certification checks for the pilot(s) of the drone;
- steps to prepare the area for safe inspection; and
- security protocols surrounding the information captured.
Unauthorized Drone Activity
As drones become more widely used in industrial and agency operations, facilities must also be prepared to respond to unauthorized drone activity.
Although federal and state laws prohibit drone flights over certain critical infrastructure,[3] facilities should never attempt to disable or interfere with an unrecognized drone. If personnel observe a drone that is not accounted for, they should document the sighting and contact the Louisiana State Police, the regional Federal Aviation Administration office, and/or another appropriate authority.[4]
Questions
If you or your team have questions about LDEQ’s new drone usage guidelines, contact Michael Doggett or another member of our Louisiana Environmental Regulation group. Based in the firm’s Baton Rouge office, Michael leverages his legal and Chemical Engineering background to assist clients with regulatory compliance and intellectual property matters.
[1] LDEQ press release can be found here: UnmannedAircraftInspectionsPressRelease.pdf.
[2] See Blue UAS Cleared Drone List.
[3] See e.g., La. R.S. 14:337 (Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system); 14 C.F.R. § 99.7 (prohibits drone flight in certain areas designed in conjunction with the Department of Defense, including over certain critical infrastructure); see also 14 C.F.R. Part 107 (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems regulations).
[4] Contact Louisiana State Police (LSP) Suspicious Activity Hotline 1-800-434-8007, use the See Send app, or file an online complaint of suspicious or criminal activity. see https://la-safe.org/suspicious-activity-reports/.