[StBernard] Groups claim Chalmette refinery violates federal air standards

[Westley Annis]

Groups claim Chalmette refinery violates federal air standards

 Recent tests show emissions from Exxon's Chalmette Refining are exceeding
federal air standards, with "sulfur dioxide at levels that harm human
health," the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and the St. Bernard Citizens for
Environmental Quality said Sept. 25. 

The two groups said the chemical was detected in Chalmette Vista, the
neighborhood across the street from Chalmette Refining. 

ExxonMobil did not respond to the accusations. 

"St. Bernard Council sent a resolution to (Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality) to enforce state and federal laws and DEQ fails to
protect us, the public," said SBCFEQ President Ken Ford. "Chalmette Refining
continues impacting the children and residents in Chalmette Vista with toxic
chemicals." 

DEQ spokesman Rodney Mallett said DEQ is looking at the data. 

"We don't have anything that shows (emissions) that would cause any health
alarms," Mallett said. 

Sulfur dioxide can worsen heart disease and cause respiratory illness and
infections and aggravated breathing.