A chemical manufacturing plant owned by DuPont west of New Orleans has agreed to pay a $480,000 federal fine and install equipment to halt the release of a cancer-causing chemical. The consent agreement and final order between DuPont and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was filed on Sept. 25, around 2½ years after an inspection found benzene releases exceeding federal limits.
The plant, located roughly half a mile from an elementary school in Reserve, Louisiana, is in an area known as Cancer Alley. DuPont spokesperson Daniel Turner said there were no impacts on site personnel or the community. Turner also stated that while they disputed the EPA’s instrument readings, they took immediate corrective actions.
According to the EPA, benzene can cause an increase in leukemia cases for those occupationally exposed. It can also have reproductive effects on women and cause blood disorders with long-term exposure. Short-term exposure can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and more. Inspectors found high levels of benzene leaking from valves and tanks. DuPont claimed its own measurements showed lower levels but still above the limit. Federal law requires industries to ensure benzene storage tanks and related equipment have minimal emissions. The DuPont facility, which makes a chemical for Kevlar production, is on the same site as another facility accused of presenting an unacceptable cancer risk. The plant has around 280 employees and contractor employees.
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