Shreveport, LA, September 15, 2025
News Summary
APEX Natural Gas LLC has commenced drilling operations on East Flournoy Lucas Road in Shreveport, LA, covering 17.5 acres. This has raised concerns among local residents about potential noise, dust, and heavy truck traffic. Although no drilling permit has been issued yet, APEX has submitted applications for approval. City officials acknowledge existing ordinances but express concerns about enforcing regulations amidst economic interests in natural gas production. Public hearings are planned to address community concerns about the impact of the drilling site.
Shreveport, LA – APEX Natural Gas LLC has begun drilling operations at a new site located on East Flournoy Lucas Road, covering 17.5 acres on the south side of the road directly across from Gullo’s Fresh Produce and Cypress Baptist Church. This initiative has sparked concerns among residents of nearby communities, including The Oaks of Louisiana, Southwood Terrace, and Twelve Oaks.
The primary entry point to the drilling site is designated from East Flournoy Lucas Road. Currently, APEX is also involved in drilling operations on East 70th Street near the Jimmie Davis Bridge and has acquired the former Shreveport Country Club site for future developments.
As of now, no drilling permit has been issued for the East Flournoy Lucas Road location. According to mineral consultant Skip Peel, the approval process with the Louisiana Department of Conservation is multi-step and must be fully completed before any drilling can commence.
Once permits are granted, a significant influx of heavy trucks is anticipated, transporting materials such as sand for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and saltwater disposal necessary for drilling activities. The anticipated operations may lead to considerable noise and increased activity levels, with claims that fracking operations could run continuously around the clock. Each well pad at the site is approximately five acres in size and drilling rigs could tower up to 10 stories high, potentially affecting visibility from several surrounding areas including Esplanade, Twelve Oaks, and Flournoy Lucas.
City officials, including Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark, confirmed existing city ordinances concerning street damage caused by oil and gas activities, as well as specific standards governing noise, dust, and overall site maintenance practices for drilling operations. Nevertheless, local leaders have voiced concerns about enforcing stringent regulations that might hinder drilling operations, emphasizing the economic significance of local natural gas production for Shreveport.
APEX Natural Gas has taken substantial steps toward urban drilling, having submitted three applications to state authorities for the Flournoy Lucas Road site, indicating a serious commitment to advancing natural gas extraction in the area. This marks a departure from previous development strategies intended for the closed Shreveport Country Club, which has been inactive since 2016.
The establishment of a drilling site in urban Shreveport brings with it both potential economic advantages and community concerns, particularly regarding noise, dust, and increased traffic. Public hearings are planned to address residents’ concerns about the new drilling operations; however, it should be noted that the authority over quality of life issues related to drilling falls under local government jurisdiction rather than the conservation office.
Key Features of the New Drilling Operation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | East Flournoy Lucas Road, Shreveport, LA |
| Site Size | 17.5 acres |
| Nearby Communities | The Oaks of Louisiana, Southwood Terrace, Twelve Oaks |
| Permit Status | No drilling permit issued yet |
| Height of Drilling Rigs | Up to 10 stories |
| Operations Expected | 24 hours a day during fracking |
| Impact on Roads | Heavy truck traffic expected |
| Public Concerns | Noise, dust, increased traffic |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the drilling operation on East Flournoy Lucas Road?
The drilling operation aims to extract natural gas, which has economic significance for the local area.
Have permits been issued for the drilling site?
No drilling permit has been issued for the East Flournoy Lucas Road location yet; the approval process is still ongoing.
What concerns do local residents have regarding the drilling?
Residents are concerned about potential noise, dust, increased traffic from heavy trucks, and the overall impact on their quality of life.
When are public hearings scheduled?
Public hearings will be held to address community concerns regarding the new drilling operation; specific dates can be expected soon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Water and Sewerage Director Resigns
Louisiana Unveils Comprehensive Economic Development Plan
APEX Natural Gas Proposes Drilling Near Shreveport Country Club
Concerns Rise in Shreveport Over Water Extraction for Fracking
Delays for Shreveport’s Proposed Take 5 Oil Change Facility
Concerns Raised Over Proposed Take 5 Oil Change Facility in Shreveport
Shreveport Launches New Economic Development Website
Delays Arise for Proposed Take 5 Oil Change Facility in Shreveport
Concerns Delay New Take 5 Oil Change Facility in Shreveport
Shreveport Launches Economic Development One-Stop-Shop
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: East Flournoy Lucas Drill Site
- Wikipedia: Natural Gas
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Natural Gas Drilling at Country Club
- Google Search: Natural Gas Drilling
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Haynesville Shale Price Changes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hydraulic Fracturing
- Hart Energy: Citadel Buys Natural Gas Assets
- Google News: Haynesville Shale
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
