massive port proposed in St Bernard Parish

 

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 discrimination claims

 

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

Fighting to Live

Sharon Lavigne of RISE ST. JAMES is this year's Laetare Medal laureate, considered the most prestigious award for American Catholics, with previous recipients including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Joe Biden, former Speakers of the House John Boehner and Tip O'Neill, Sister Helen Prejean, actor Martin Sheen, musician Aaron Neville, and many more. Congratulations Ms. Sharon!

2022 Laetare Medalist Sharon Lavigne

“Sharon has been a source of hope and inspiration to both myself and the community. She is always working to help the people of St. James. And when she speaks out on behalf of them, she speaks passionately.”—Chasity White, resident of St. James Parish

EPA EJScreen Tool Trainings

 

Upcoming EJScreen 2.0 Tool Office Hours and Trainings

 

EPA is hosting the next virtual ‘Office Hours’ and Trainings for users of EJSCREEN, the Agency's environmental justice screening and mapping tool. Office Hours are a chance for the public to talk with EPA EJScreen experts about many topics including how to use and apply the tool, technical issues, and any other questions. The trainings will include information on the updates made to EJScreen 2.0, a demonstration of the newly available features, and tips on how to use the tool. All sessions are free, and registration is not required.

 

• April 20, 2022 Office Hours at 12 pm E.T. - Click Here to Join

 

• April 6, 2022 Training at 12 pm E.T. - Click Here to Join

 

• May 4, 2022 Training at 12 pm E.T. - Click Here to Join

 

We hope that you will join these open discussions and trainings to learn about EJSCREEN, as well as to get your questions answered.

 

Background

 

This updated version of EJScreen, known as EJScreen 2.0, makes important improvements to better meet the needs of users and provides expanded insight into EJ concerns in overburdened communities. The redesigned interface of EJScreen 2.0 includes new data on environmental burdens, socioeconomic factors, climate change, health, and critical service gaps.

 

For more information on the EJSCREEN Office Hours and Trainings and to access recordings of past sessions, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen/ejscreen-office-hours.

 

For more information on EJSCREEN, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen.

perks of power

 

"Those who are concerned with the massive project fear its residential location will upend their lives and have negative environmental impacts." -- WVUE TV

That sums its up! A MASSIVE PROJECT in a RESIDENTIAL LOCATION !  

 

Port of New Orleans proposal ?an economic driver or a big problem?  -- WGNO TV

https://wgno.com/news/local/will-a-new-port-in-st-bernard-be-a-economic-driver-or-big-problem-for-the-parish/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-DLOtNq8gs

To paraphrase community perspective posted online:

 THE GOVERNOR COULD DO SOMETHING!! 

Historically, Louisiana has invested in projects which cost state citizens their health and quality of life. The Governor could stop formosa in st james, stop the grain elevator in wallace, and stop port of new orleans in st bernard. Gov JBE could reject site selections which destroy human habitats and suffocate existing commerce and tourism. Gov JBE could stop these ridiculous plastics for exports projects, invest in a more modern, more sustainable global shipping port location, and find a more appropriate grain export location. ALL 3 of these "economic developments" are ACTIVE ECONOMIC INJUSTICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE AND a sad continuance of Louisiana's RACISM. The Governor could preserve the integrity of existing residential districts, protect human health, and stop the socioeconomic inequities, especially in low income communities and minority communities. The hypocrisy of Gov JBE is astonishing; one cannot claim a State Climate Initiative and then support massive projects which run counter to task force plans. Gov JBE could reject projects which contribute such large amounts to air pollution and which do not meet the state's climate initiatives, the state's air quality attainment plans, or the state's regional haze plans.  Gov JBE could uphold the state's coastal plan and in st bernard parish Gov JBE could preserve the over one thousand acres of forested wetlands which are part of the original Chitimacha territory. Gov JBE could reject projects which do not meet the State's goal to reduce emissions and provide for a healthy, more equitable economy. These 3 projects each run in exact opposite of such State goals. Gov JBE could prove he is pro-life beyond birth and protect our citizens, especially school children. Let's see if JBE is a puppet of the Corporatocracy or a man of his word!

Toxic Air Pollution in Port Facilities

 

"Lessons Learned" from the Houston Ship Channel should guide the State of Louisiana to build back better in the International Terminaling sector: to avoid mistakes, avoid adverse public health outcomes, and select the more protective, environmental options. 

Similar to Houton’s port facilities, pollution issues with the Port of New Orleans proposed project  in St Bernard Parish would be compounded by the surrounding cumulative air toxins from two oil refineries, a calciner, and other heavily industrialized plants, and “by lax enforcement of pollution regulations by state and federal agencies and lack of real zoning laws. Existing zoning laws allow industrial facilities to be located in proximity to homes”, directly resulting in residents, including elementary school children, breathing in toxic air pollutants. St Bernard Parish is clearly already a disproportionately burdened community.

One only needs to look at the Houston Ship Channel to know the air toxins from the Port of New Orleans proposed project are unmitigable and the devastating public health outcomes unavoidable. These pollution concerns can not be “addressed” or “taken care of” by claiming compliance with EPA regulations or even with use of any of the future new truck fuels and cargo moving equipment. Residents would still carry the disproportionate share of burdens, including shortened lifespans and other lifelong health outcomes. That is not – under any scenario – a reasonable balance.

The State of Louisiana has many other options available to modernize port facilities in a 'post Panamax' world. Louisiana should look towards the options in the International Terminaling sector that are more aligned with the future of global shipping and more protective of the human habitat. These options tend to be more economical as well.

https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/air-pollution-houston-ship-channel-ib.pdf

TOXIC AIR POLLUTION IN THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL: DISPARITIES SHOW URGENT NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE By Yukyan Lam, Ramya Sivasubramanian, and Marisa Guerrero (NRDC); Juan Parras and Ana Parras (Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services)

Recommendations from this NRDC study included #3. Regulatory agencies at all levels should prioritize pollution monitoring and enforcement in disproportionately burdened communities.

Offshore Terminaling not limited

 

Offshore future expansion would not have limits, as would a port on land in St. Bernard Parish. It would be a mistake to build the new port as a small additional port only 10 miles from the current Port of New Orleans. Its long-term future port infrastructure expansion would be very limited by the lack of ample land and river space.

There is not enough surrounding land for long-term growth to accommodate the expected growth in container shipping. Imagine 10 or 15 of the larger container ships now under construction trying to go up and down the mouth of the river at the same time. Think how these would block the river for other traffic when they are turning around to go downstream.

DAVID RUBENSTEIN

merchant New Orleans

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/article_5d5a9038-627f-11ec-9e2a-fff5a728225c.html