MORGAN CITY — Energy providers in the state of Louisiana are one step closer to receiving a break from the Environmental Protection Agency for its nitrous oxide emissions standards, but that only applies for the upcoming summer.

Mayor Tim Matte said that while the EPA initially had reduced the amount of these types of emissions Louisiana power agencies could release, he said that comments from the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority as well as Cleco and Entergy and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality have all influenced the EPA to consider 38 percent more in allowances for Louisiana.

However, that allowance hasn’t been approved, yet, Matte said.

“We don’t know for a fact that that’s (38 percent more in allowances for emissions) the case,” the mayor said.

The proposed emission standards left power companies concerned about meeting the emission standards during the summer months.

If the proposed updated emission allowances for Louisiana are passed, Matte said Cleco believes it can operate its Rodemacher plant near Boyce during the summer.

He noted that before these standards were issued, low nitrous oxide burners were put on Rodemacher in years past to limit these emissions.

In other LEPA news, Matte noted that a chemical found in creosote piles was detected in an environmental analysis of soil on the site of the proposed power plant. However, the site of the sample was taken near the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railway line. Creosote is applied to railway ties as a preservative.

“So it’s pretty much like a ‘Duh,’” Matte told the council, laughing.

DEQ has agreed that no cleaning of the area in question was necessary, allowing work on finalizing the lease to move forward.

LEPA expects to have the lease by Dec. 1.

Meanwhile, engineers have continued their work on the project, which will be accelerated when the lease receives final approval.

“This will … free them up totally with the site-specific-type like work, applying for permits and all those kinds of things, so that should take place right away,” Matte said.

In other action, the council:

—Granted 2012 Class A and B Liquor and Beer Permits for a host of Morgan City businesses with the exception of LeBoeuf’s Oyster Bar and Grill. The establishment was cited twice during the past year, once each for purchasing alcohol from an unauthorized alcohol wholesaler and for sale of alcohol to a person under age 21. Action on LeBoeuf’s renewal request was tabled until a hearing is held by the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. The council anticipates making a decision at its December meeting. Other Morgan City businesses who committed violations during this year were Night Moves and Rite Aid (1223 Victor II Blvd.), which both were cited for sale of alcohol to a person under age 21. Although they were included on the list of liquor license renewals, Night Moves ownership has since declined to renew its license, while Rite Aid has requested to renew its license, which was approved.

—Approved a resolution to award a contract to Acme Mausoleum Corp. to construct a 108-space, single-crypt mausoleum at the Morgan City Cemetery. The company bid the work for $190,618. The bid was sent out to multiple entities but Acme was the lone respondent. The city is familiar with the company’s work as it has built the city’s most recently constructed mausoleum.

—Approved requests by Morgan City Main Street Manager Steve Morell, on behalf of the Main Street Board of Directors, to hold Santa’s Block Party and Rhythms on the River. “Santa’s Block Party” will be held on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Downtown Morgan City, with Front Street closed from Café Jo Jo’s to Greenwood Street and the corner of Freret and Front streets between those hours. Rhythms on the River will be held every Friday evening for nine weeks from April 13 to June 8, 2012. The city granted permission to close Front Street between Freret and Everett streets from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for the event. The city’s open container law was relaxed during the performances as well. While the bands are scheduled to perform 6-9 p.m., Morrell said in the case of inclement weather, an extension of up to one hour may be granted, allowing the performance to proceed as late as 10 p.m. so that the performers can get their three hour allotment.

—Approved a construction permit for Morgan City Industrial Road, a parish project that will divert industrial traffic away from residential areas.

—Learned from Sid Moffett, who is in negotiations with Anthony J. Guarisco Jr., representing Guarisco-Evans Shopping Center LLC, to purchase an unoccupied portion of the Guarisco-Evans Shopping Center between the Medicine Shoppe and Mike’s Flooring & Paint, that he thinks he and Guarisco can close on the sale of the property sometime next week.

—Approved a Class A Liquor and Beer permit for Harlan H. Kappel, doing business as East Gate BBQ LLC, 7516 La. 182 East.