Hazardous Substance Research Centers/South & Southwest

Site description

St. James Parish is home to several large sugar cane fields in south Louisiana. The cane fields are a major concern to residents surrounding these areas because of the odors related to harvesting processes (including burning) and possible exposure from the application of biosolids (sewage sludge) in the cane fields. The community group, The Concerned Citizen & Youth of Highways 44&18, contacted TOSC after being referred by Ms. Albertha Hasten of the Louisiana Environmental Justice Community Organizing Coalition. The community wanted more information about the pending permit application of a local company applying biosolids in the fields there as well as a general understanding of what biosolids are.

Summary of assistance (through September, 2006)

TOSC attended community meetings and signed a Letter of Agreement with this organization in August of 2005 outlining TOSC efforts in the community. These efforts included assisting the community with putting on a health fair as well as a seminar on biosolids application in the area. TOSC held a biosolids seminar for the community in late September 2004 with assistance from EPA Region 6Õs Ted Palit.

In September of 2006, TOSC attended community meetings and provided general information about ethanol facilities and the location of a new ethanol facility in the community. The community still feels there are health issues that need to be addressed within their community.