Rep. Carter stands with EPA and concerned citizens against Denka to protect public health

Louisiana Second District Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) granted Denka Performance Elastomer, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions.

Carter says the extension undermines efforts to protect the health of nearby communities, who have been exposed to harmful emissions from the plant.

“Denka has been given a mandate by the EPA to essentially clean up their act.  After an exhaustive study they’ve been found to be significant violations and significant emissions to come from the plant,” he said.

Denka has criticized the new regulations as politically motivated and based on flawed science.

The EPA gave Denka until October 15 to cut 98 percent of its chloroprene emissions. But Denka says it’s an unrealistic timeline and will result in the plant closing.

Carter says the health of the area residents should be the top priority.

“I think its only fair that communities deserve to breath clean air and drink clean water.  This is not an anti-industry move its an  anti-violator move,” he said.

The congressman reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and community advocates to ensure strong environmental oversight and improve air quality in affected areas

“I think its reasonable, I think its past time and I stand firmly for justice,” Carter said.

Denka says the plant does not pose a public health threat and they’ve already spent $35 million dollars on emission controls.