[StBernard] [r6news] Louisiana environmental justice group to receive $100, 000 grant from EPA

[Westley Annis]

	<<LEJCOC will concentrate on two communities in Shreveport and St. James
	Parish.  The group plans to train residents to use of alternative
	dispute resolution strategies to empower them to negotiate with the
	industries in these two communities.  They will also work with the
	industries to make changes to equipment and operating controls>>
	
	
	
	

I find it so sad that with a nearly $490 million budget the EPA does not do its own monitoring nor enforce uniformly.  And that the responsibility of holding the industries accountable becomes that of the resident's.  Why in states such as California are the new technologies for emissions required but not in Louisiana?  Industries will sometimes by pass the requirement to Install Updated Pollution Controls or be allowed numerous 'preventable emission overages' because their Expansions are permitted as Renewals and Modifications or they can delay repairs and updates (resulting in emissions overages because their is no set time limit on when the repairs need to be made).  There are simple storage tank continuous emission monitors available now as well as fenceline monitoring and continuous monitoring of the industry's use of flaring that could make a tremendous difference in the emissions. Emissions' reduction means less asthma and cancer.  Also, there is technology to STOP the use of a most dangerous chemical, hydrofluoric acid.

It is so hard to prove to the DEQ that an industry is over its permitted emissions  because the permit requirements themselves do not assure the industry is in compliance. Even with proof, DEQ fails to enforce or site violations and sanctions.  With all the recent spills and mishaps, and the ever present Flaring Use in the Neighborhoods, and the growing Tank Farms along our only two highways,  one would think these industry's are certainly over their permitted emissions.  They are definitely showing their lack of safety standards.

That is what the LA DEQ Public Comment Hearing Meeting NEXT Tuesday June 19th 6:30pm is about.  Residents could voice their concerns regarding any issue with our industrial neighbor Murphy, however it is the comments specific to the air permit renewal that DEQ and EPA can respond to:

               Maintain the Current Fenceline East of Jacob Drive
               Maintain Current Zoning in the Buffer Zone
               Require Specifics on Murphy's Proposed Expansions
               Assure Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness 
               Update Equipment and Operating Controls for ALL Processes
               Require Specific Regulations to Assure Compliance with Permitted Emissions
               Reduce Permitted Emissions
               Petition EPA and DEQ for Updated Monitoring and Reliable Test Results
               Petition EPA and DEQ to Monitor and Enforce

Those who can not attend can submit their comments in writing.

Unfortunately, As Murphy wants to become a refinery that produces both low sulfur gasoline and diesel, it leaves more pollutants in our neighborhood.  It is also a very NOISY process (irregardless of the ambient noise).  Murphy could become a better neighbor by accepting the challenge to also become a refinery that is concerned about the community and environment at its plant site.  Murphy could install the new pollution controls on all tanks and all equipment and STOP the use of its Flares as a regular part of its processing (and use the flaring only for true emergencies).  There is technology available to reduce these pollutants at the plant site, to monitor continuously (so we dont have to literally go out and test the air or document the flare use or NOISE level), to REDUCE THE CURRENT NOISE AND prevent further Noise from the expansions added processes, and to STOP the use of Hydrofluoric acid.

CCAM - - Concerned Citizens Around Murphy will meet again this Monday June 11th 6:30pm to share concerns about our industrial neighbor and to explore the issues in Murphy's Proposed Expansion and to discuss issues regarding the DEQ Public Comment Hearing.  If you would like further information, email SJRKneale at aol.com 
             
SJK