Current:Home > FinanceFire marshal cancels hearing for ammonia plant amid overflowing crowd and surging public interest -FutureFinance
Fire marshal cancels hearing for ammonia plant amid overflowing crowd and surging public interest
View
Date:2025-04-25 09:50:23
ST. ROSE, La. (AP) — A fire marshal shut down a public hearing for a proposed ammonia production facility in Louisiana as public interest surged and crowds overflowed a public library in St. Charles Parish.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality had scheduled the hearing to receive public comments on the proposed $4.6 billion St. Charles Clean Fuels ammonia production facility.
Many St. Rose residents who came to the hearing indicated they are worried about the prospect of more pollution. The town lies along a heavily industrialized stretch of the Mississippi river between New Orleans and Baton Rouge known as “ Cancer Alley ” for its high levels of chemical pollution.
St. Rose resident Kimbrelle Eugene Kyereh said she and other community activists passed out thousands of flyers to get their neighbors to attend the hearing and raise their concerns with St. Charles Clean Fuels.
“People had not heard about it so they were very, very opposed to an ammonia plant coming in addition to what we already have here,” Kyereh said.
More than 150 people tried to squeeze into a small public library room with a capacity to hold 50 according to a fire marshal who arrived to shut down the meeting. Many were forced to stand in the parking lot.
A Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality official told residents the meeting would be rescheduled and the public comment period extended.
St. Charles Clean Fuels CEO Ramesh Raman said at the start of the hearing that his company is interested to hear from the community.
St. Charles Clean Fuels would be capable of producing 8,000 metric tons daily of ammonia, commonly used for fertilizers. The company said it intends to reduce its pollution by employing technology to capture and store its carbon dioxide emissions.
The ammonia would be stored at an adjacent site owned by International Matex Tank Terminals, which reported releasing more than 100,000 pounds of toxic volatile organic compounds last year, according to state records. This is about twice the level needed to qualify as a major source of toxic air pollution in Louisiana, said Kimberly Terrell, director of community engagement with the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic.
Grassroots community activism in response to pollution concerns in Cancer Alley has halted multiple industrial projects in recent years.
“They taking us seriously now,” St. Rose resident Arthur Blue said. “They know they waking a sleeping giant.”
____________
Jack Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
veryGood! (19)
Related
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Surprise! Taylor Swift drops live version of 'Cruel Summer', 'pride and joy' from 'Lover'
- Intel bulletin says terror groups are calling on supporters to target U.S., Israeli interests amid Israel-Hamas conflict
- Major water main break impacts thousands, prompts state of emergency in a northern New York county
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- What could convince Egypt to take in Gaza's refugees?
- MTV cancels EMAs awards show in Paris, citing Israel-Hamas war
- Alex Ovechkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Seattle Kraken among NHL's slow starters this season
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Ali Krieger Shares “Happy Place” Photo With Her and Ashlyn Harris’ Kids Amid Divorce
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- (G)I-DLE brings 'HEAT' with first English album: 'This album is really about confidence'
- Study: Asteroid known as Polyhymnia may contain 'superheavy' elements unknown to humans
- EU demands Meta and TikTok detail efforts to curb disinformation from Israel-Hamas war
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Federal forecasters predict warm, wet US winter but less snow because of El Nino, climate change
- Electric truck maker Rivian says construction on first phase of Georgia factory will proceed in 2024
- Trial begins for parents accused of starving Washington teen to death
Recommendation
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
Jordan will continue to bleed votes with every ballot, says Rep. Ken Buck — The Takeout
2 San Antonio police officers shot and wounded during domestic disturbance call; suspect surrenders
Hollywood actors strike nears 100th day. Why talks failed and what's next
Sam Taylor
Biden to deliver Oval Office address on Israel and Ukraine on Thursday
AP Week in Pictures: North America
Barry Williams says secret to a happy marriage is making wife 'your princess'