Army Corps Of Engineers Suspends Permit For “Chemical Alley” Plastics Plant
Nov. 11, 2020
Proposed emissions from the plant would triple the levels of cancer-causing chemicals in one of the most toxic areas of the U.S.
A controversial $9 billion plastics complex slated for Louisiana’s “Chemical Alley” is in doubt after the Army Corps of Engineers suspended a permit for its construction, according to an article from Propublica. An analysis of the project reportedly finds that proposed emissions from the plant would double and triple the levels of cancer-causing chemicals in surrounding communities.
Part of the Taiwanese-based conglomerate Formosa Plastics, the complex would place one of the world’s largest petrochemical plants along the lower Mississippi River in St. James Parish, Louisiana, according to Propublica. Area residents and environmental advocacy group reportedly sued to stop the plant’s construction, alleging that officials violated the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act in moving the project forward. Formosa indicates the company has worked cooperatively with the Corps throughout the permit process and will continue to do so to provide any additional information it may need.
