La. plant told to reduce emissions

The Evonik Corporation, a German-based company, has agreed to reduce air pollutants from a chemical plant near LaPlace, La., according to a settlement reached with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Evonik, which operates an alkoxylated alcohols production facility in the St. John the Baptist Parish community of Reserve will reduce emissions of ethylene oxide and other pollutants by 5.6 tons a year. Ethylene oxide is a chemical EPA says is a proven carcinogen in humans. Evonik is "technically classified as a minor source of emissions," but its impact on people living nearby "can be significant,” EPA Regional Administrator Earthea Nance said. Evonik apologized for polluting the region's air. (NOLA.com 04/24/23)