January 3, 2024
Toxic air pollutants will be significantly reduced along a notorious stretch of land in Southeastern Louisiana known as Cancer Alley, following a settlement reached in a federal lawsuit. The area is home to dozens of chemical plants that release hazardous emissions into the air.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the settlement with German chemical company Evonik Corporation, which has locations in Louisiana. The agreement will reduce cancer-causing air pollutants by more than 5.5 tons per year from a facility in St. John the Baptist Parish.
About the EPA Settlement
According to the settlement, Evonik must replace several pieces of equipment linked to large emissions, as well as implement a more robust leak-detection and repair program designed to reduce hazardous chemical emissions. These chemicals include known-carcinogen ethylene oxide, which is used in the production of plastic products. Annual emissions of ethylene oxide are expected to be cut by 2.16 tons as a result of the settlement.
Other features of the agreement include:
What is Cancer Alley?
Cancer Alley is the nickname given to a 130-mile stretch along the Mississippi RIver in Southeastern Louisiana that is home to more than 200 industrial facilities such as chemical plants, oil refineries, plastics plants and other factories.
About 50 toxic chemicals pollute the air in Cancer Alley. These include:
A 2012 study found that people living in Cancer Alley have a higher risk of developing cancer. In Cancer Alley, 46 individuals per million are at risk of developing cancer, compared with the national average of roughly 30 individuals per million.
The same study found evidence pointing to disparities in cancer risk based on income and race among individuals living in the area. The cancer risk was found to increase by 12 to 16 percent in areas with low-income and majority-black. This has prompted calls to halt expansion of the petrochemical industry in the region and to address the associated racial and economic disparities.
How We Help Victims of Benzene Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced attorneys. Our Dallas, Texas, benzene law firm has battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years, aggressively fighting to hold them responsible for dangerous chemicals and the personal injuries and cancers they cause. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury caused by dangerous products, we can help.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Confidential settlement for the wife of a Rhode Island man who died of mesothelioma cancer after exposure to window glazing compound contaminated with asbestos.
That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you.
