URGENT: Public hearing is THIS THURSDAY. Please try to attend and add your comments to LDEQ on this petition immediately.
The Pin Oak Terminal just opened this year and the young company already has a history of violations and compliance issues at this facility. Yet, Pin Oak is already asking the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for a massive increase in emissions in close proximity to the Mount Airy community and the Mississippi River.
Pin Oak's new application fails to properly assure the residents that air quality stands will not be exceeded and that it is adequately protecting the environment.
Pollution, Health Effects and Environmental Risks:
- Operating Emissions - Pin Oak plans massive increases in air pollution. The company is asking for more than 1,400 tons per year of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as large increases in benzene and hydrogen sulfide releases in close proximity to 330 residents along with children attending Garyville Magnet School. These people will constantly smell and be exposed poisonous chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer.
- Fugitive Releases & Accidents - Pin Oak plans to store such volatile materials as gasoline, vacuum gas oil, residual oil No. 6, asphalt, diesel, ethanol, MTBE, methanol, benzene, and other petro-chemical products. However, Pin Oak has failed to analyze and determine whether its storage facility can adequately protect the environment.
We are counting on the Louisiana Department of Environment Quality to enforce all regulations protecting the environment and residents, especially the health and safety of our children. And, while air pollution and chemical spills affects us all, there is a stark difference across the region - Mount Airy residents are harmed first and worst.
Stand up for us, support clean, and make it safe for everyone to breathe.
