DuPont’s Louisiana plant faces a $480,000 fine for benzene emissions in Cancer Alley, sparking concerns about environmental hazards and public health.
At a Glance
- DuPont’s chemical plant in Reserve, Louisiana, fined $480,000 for benzene emissions
- Unannounced EPA inspection found benzene levels exceeding federal limits
- Plant located in “Cancer Alley,” an area known for high cancer rates
- DuPont to install equipment to prevent future benzene releases
- Company disputes some EPA findings but agrees to take corrective actions
DuPont Plant Fined for Benzene Emissions
A chemical plant operated by DuPont in Reserve, Louisiana, has agreed to pay a $480,000 federal fine for releasing benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, above legal limits. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered the violations during an unannounced inspection in 2021. The settlement, filed on September 25, requires DuPont to install equipment to prevent future benzene releases.
DuPont plant in Louisiana fined $480,000 for releasing a cancer-causing chemical https://t.co/zxSVgowHKZ
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 30, 2024
The plant is situated in the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor, commonly known as “Cancer Alley” due to its high concentration of industrial facilities and elevated cancer rates among residents. This area has long been a source of concern for environmental activists and local communities.
DuPont plant in Louisiana fined $480,000 for release of cancer-causing chemical – They measured 20,100 parts per million of benzene from a vent on a benzene waste tank, and 1,933 ppm of benzene leaking out of a second pressure/vacuum valve.https://t.co/eBtPJSCvsd via @nolanews
— Mark Schleifstein (@MSchleifstein) October 28, 2024
EPA Findings and DuPont’s Response
During the inspection, EPA officials found benzene levels of 20,100 ppm and 1,933 ppm from different sources at the plant, far exceeding federal limits. DuPont’s own measurements showed lower benzene levels but still above EPA thresholds. Federal law mandates no detectable benzene emissions from storage tanks and pipelines.
Despite this claim, the company has agreed to take corrective actions. Turner stated, “From the time the on-site inspection occurred, we have disputed the instrument readings captured by EPA from those of our contractors. However, we have taken immediate corrective actions to resolve the issues identified in the inspection process.”
Health Concerns and Community Impact
Benzene exposure is linked to leukemia, reproductive effects, blood disorders, and other serious health issues. The DuPont facility’s proximity to an elementary school in Reserve, LA, raises additional concerns about potential health risks to the local population, especially children.
The plant, which produces paraphenylenediamine (PPDA) for Kevlar manufacturing and employs about 280 people, shares a site with Denka Performance Elastomers. Denka has faced similar accusations regarding cancer risks in the area, further compounding the environmental challenges faced by the community.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle between industrial operations and public health concerns in Cancer Alley. As regulatory agencies continue to monitor and enforce environmental standards, residents remain vigilant about the potential long-term effects of industrial emissions on their health and well-being.
