The Lens (https://thelensnola.org/category/environment/page/2/)
On a sunny, cold Tuesday afternoon, 20 or so of us pile into a school bus bound for Vacherie. (Why don’t school buses have seat belts?) Most of us are members of Justice and Beyond, a black-led New Orleans coalition of justice-seeking organizations.
Representatives of Mosaic Fertilizer say they are confident about their ability to prevent a potential breach of its gypsum-walled reservoir in St. James Parish. Even so, Mosaic is taking steps to secure the reservoir to ensure that any potential leak of acidic wastewater does not escape from their property
Innovative krewe rolls Saturday night.
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has a plan for reconnecting the Mississippi River with coastal regions that have steadily disappeared under Gulf waters. But can they connect with public support?
EPA, LDEQ and even the Justice Department are monitoring efforts by Mosaic Fertilizer to prevent a potential release of acidic wastewater into nearby wetlands. There’s little chance of a release into the Mississippi River. But local residents draw little relief from the company’s assurances.
An infrastructure review graded the state’s drinking water systems at D-minus. Billions of dollars will be needed to repair and upgrade these public systems, and it’s not clear where all that money will come from. But drilling private wells simply isn’t an option for most residents.
Lawyers for groups opposed to the plant say the company botched an application for a state permit renewal. State agency should not grant it, they argue.
Local chefs prevail—so far—in fight to strengthen Gulf fisheries
Diesel spilled from an unsecured tank on the property, getting into the drainage system and making it to Florida Avenue Canal. Neighbors say the city-owned property has been neglected.
Shawanda Holmes’ son had lead levels four times above national standards. She later found out a state program had already identified hazards at her house, but it appears the state never followed up.
