Concerned Citizens Around Murphy: April 2022

Save Our St. Bernard (Group Forum)

Brianna Assavedo A2tapr0pioil 58 nmsat 8:ire5547 AM

https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Portals/56/docs/regulatory/publicnotices/MVN_2021_00270_EG%20PNall.pdf?ver=AsXer0KTreatmbk7Sbs84w%3d%3d

The commenting period is open, again. Don’t pass this opportunity up, especially if you missed the last commenting period. 

This is a critical time when we can impact the future of the massive container terminal planned for our parish. The public comment period is open, and we encourage everyone to share comments with the Corps of Engineers before the April 27 2022 deadline. 

https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Portals/56/docs/regulatory/publicnotices/MVN_2021_00270_EG%20PNall.pdf?ver=AsXer0KTreatmbk7Sbs84w%3d%3d

To make commenting easy, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions below (as well as an example here that you can use or tailor to make your own). 

If we can provide any assistance, reply to this message. 

Thank you,
Your Friends and Neighbors with SOS   SOSTBernard.org

STEP 1:  Write a letter that includes your concerns

The Corps considers public interests, including: conservation, economics, fish and wildlife values, recreation, and the needs and welfare of the people. Your comment should speak to these. 

Are you worried about…
air pollution?
truck and rail traffic?
the impact on your job?
the impact on your family’s quality of life?

Then, share those concerns with the Corps in a letter.

STEP 2:  Include your name and address and Reference the permit numbers

Permit Application Numbers MVN-2021-00270-EG and WQC 210113-01

STEP 3:  Submit your comment

Send your message with the information in “STEP 2” to the Corps project manager: angelle.v.greer@usace.army.mil and CC: to the LDEQ project manager elizabeth.hill@la.gov

STEP 4:  Learn more

If you’d like to learn more about the Permit Application and Public Comment process, visit: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/.../290.../mvn-2021-00270-eg/

EPA to investigate 2 state agencies over discrimination claims

Halle Parker WWNO - New Orleans Public Radio
Published April 7, 2022 at 6:19 PM CDT

https://www.wwno.org/coastal-desk/2022-04-07/in-groundbreaking-decision-epa-to-investigate-2-state-agencies-over-discrimination-claims

"St. John residents like Robert Taylor — who founded the Concerned Citizens of St. John, one of the complainants — have fought for fewer emissions from the Denka plant since 2016.

That was when they learned that the area suffered from cancer risks far higher than the rest of the country due to chloroprene inhalation from the plant, including children sent to learn at Fifth Ward Elementary School just a half mile away from Denka. That school is 93% minority, with mostly Black students. Taylor and most of the residents closest to the plant are also Black."

"For the Department of Environmental Quality, the EPA’s External Civil Rights Compliance Office will investigate whether the methods used in its air pollution control program have the intent or effect of subjecting people to racial discrimination, including their actions related to emissions from the Denka plant and the decision to grant 14 air permits for the Formosa Plastics industrial complex planned in St. James."

"The EPA office will also determine whether the Department of Health has failed in both providing St. John residents with information about health threats associated with Denka and other sources of air pollution and making recommendations for measures to prevent or reduce exposure. Federal officials will check whether the state agencies have procedures in place to ensure they provide meaningful access to its services and actions."

EPA Title VI and Environmental Justice

https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/title-vi-and-environmental-justice