On May 15, the Tulane University’s Environmental Law Clinic, working with a St. Bernard Parish neighborhood environmental group, filed a complaint in federal court against the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The complaint is an effort to compel the EPA to reevaluate an air permit at Valero Energy Corporation’s Meraux oil refinery. It concerns a benzene saturation unit at the refinery that was constructed by Valero’s predecessor, Murphy Oil. Bob Perciasepe, EPA’s acting administrator, is responsible for implementing the Clean Air Act requirements.
Residents in the area have reported flaring and unusual smells from the Valero plant.
“EPA’s failure to comply with its duty under the Clean Air Act causes the members to worry that the Meraux Refinery exposes them to excess air pollution that may harm their health,” according to the complaint.
“The result is a significant deterioration of the air we breathe and the various adverse health consequences,” said Suzanne Kneale, a member of the neighborhood environmental action group.
Legal Representation in Toxic and Chemical Exposure Cases
Companies and landowners in Louisiana sometimes violate federal, state and local environmental laws which regulate the discharge of toxic wastes and other pollutants into the environment. Sometimes companies decide it is cheaper to pollute than to prevent toxic and chemical exposure to innocent people.
If you have been injured by exposure to an environmental hazard, contact our New Orleans injury attorneys today at (504) 522-7885, or visit our website.
[Tip of the Week: When celebrating this Memorial Day Weekend, protect yourself and your family by avoiding drinking and driving. In 2009, more than 470 people were killed during Memorial Day weekend.]