Givens' explanation for the drop is that DEQ's efforts at compliance assistance are working, or that after decades of stringent environmental regulations, Louisiana companies are more familiar with the regulations and more adept at correcting problems. Another point of view, however, appears to prevail within DEQ, according to consultants with A.T. Kearney, which was hired soon after Givens took office in 1996 to evaluate the agency. This latter reason is perceived as the most valid among DEQ staff and external stakeholders. When Paul Templet was DEQ secretary between 1988 and 1992, he said he was often willing to settle cases, but he wouldn't settle for just nothing. Likewise, Givens suggested that the DEQ needs flexibility in settling cases.
Records concerning settlements is spotty.
Just 37 percent of companies paid their fines in full. One-fourth of those penalized paid reduced fines. Another three out of eight didn't pay at all. The companies that waited more than two years to pay almost never paid the full amount. Those with reduced fines typically paid between a 25 and 75 cents for every dollar in fines.