Refineries' roaring flares and stacks billow smoke and vapor. It’s no secret that it harms the air. But the toxic chemicals spilling out as wastewater also pose environmental risks in Louisiana, where eight facilities ranked among the top oil operations that pollute public waterways, according to an Environmental Integrity Project study. The analysis of wastewater discharge records from 81 refineries, the EIP found south Louisiana refineries discharging some of the highest amounts of heavy metals, nitrogen and other pollutants into rivers, estuaries and other waterways. The study says the EPA and state are doing little to curb the half-billion gallons of wastewater that pours from American refineries daily. Federal standards are rarely enforced and have failed to keep pace with advances in water treatment methods, the study said. (NOLA.com 01/29/23) Louisiana refineries top lists of worst water-polluters | Environment | nola.com
No comments:
Post a Comment