Proposed cyanide plant near airport

Cornerstone Chemical Co.'s plan to build a $100M hydrogen cyanide plant at its Fortier manufacturing complex near Waggman, across the Mississippi River from the Louis Armstrong International Airport, drew dozens of concerned citizens to a Feb. 12 public hearing, according to WVUE Fox8. The public has until 4:30 p.m. Feb. 18 to submit written comments on the proposal to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, but the agency also is considering extending the comment period. The Tuesday hearing lasted more than three hours, with many speakers expressing alarm that the chemical firm might obtain an air quality permit. (Source: NOLA.com 02/13/19)