A LaPlace chemical plant has failed to meet a state order requiring it to curb its release of potentially cancer-causing emissions, The Times-Picayune reports.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality determined this month that the Denka Performance Elastomer neoprene manufacturing plant did not meet a goal set in January 2017 of reducing chloroprene emissions by 85%.
Chloroprene has been declared a human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Denka officials insist chloroprene does not cause cancer, and have challenged the EPA’s conclusions that it does. Residents living near the plant have sued over health concerns.
According to the newspaper, Denka has told DEQ its plans for installing about $35 million worth of emission-reduction equipment have been delayed. In a statement last week, a Denka spokesperson told The Times-Picayune that emissions reductions will be greater after a “startup period” with the new equipment.
