Shintech

[Charlie.Cray@green2.greenpeace.org]

Response to Brad Lambert's Comments Re: Shintech Air Hearing
 
In defense of the press release issued on the Shintech air permit hearing on
December 9, and the subsequent response by Brad Lambert:  I, Kishi Animashaun,
attended the meeting as well, and although there has been no confirmation of an
official count, there were overwhelmingly  more residents of St. James Parish,
and surrounding river parishes voicing opposition to the proposed Shintech
plant than its supporters.  The most conservative estimates suggest the
opposition numbered around 250. The hearing lasted over eight hours, with the
first hour and a half given exclusively to Shintech consultants and others  who
supported the facility, those who worked early or had little children and
therefore had to leave sooner. By 2:30 am, nearing the end of the hearing,
there were considerably less 
folk there, on both sides.
 
I do not understand how Mr. Lambert was able determine that supporters were
generally from St. James Parish, whereas plant opponents were from all over. At
the  beginning of the hearing, one resident of Convent (the host site of
proposed plant) was amused by the fact that she couldn't recognize anyone
sitting in the area of plant supporters.  Her point is significant given the
fact that census data states that there are only approximately 2,000 people in
that entire zip code!  Unless, Mr. Lambert did an informal census of his own,
among both sides, I stand behind the press release's assertion that the
supporters were generally made up of those "flown in" for the occasion.
(Including Shintech employees flown in from Texas).
 
The mobilization effort on the part of the opponents was primarily "word of
mouth" as is anything done in small towns like Convent, so there is no doubt
that a majority of those who attended were from St. James.  If there was a
large show of support from neighboring St. John and Ascension parishes, that is
good. People understand that pollution is not contained within the plant's
gates, nor does it contain itself within the same community. All who live,
work, and play within 10 miles of an industrial facility could be
impacted in the event of accidental release, explosion, or fugitive emissions.
And the dioxin from the burning of their wastes will not stay within their
property line either.
 
Those who live in parishes along the Mississippi know all too well about toxic
clouds that flow randomly in the direction of the current wind pattern. 
 
A few residents of Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles) also came to their hearing.
Lake Charles already hosts a number of PVC/VCM
plants.  These people were compelled to come and share their experiences of
living near these types of facilities.  
 
Lambert's last point speaks for itself:  the company's consultants primarily
talked about economics, and also touched upon PVC industry [and how
economically set it was.......], about the chemical industry [and how it has
benefited Louisiana economically...],  and health issues [as they are perceived
by the health officer from the LOUISIANA CHEMICAL ASSOC...]  As for testimony
on the other issues Lambert mentioned, safety, training, emergency response and
accident prevention.  I did not notice any strong testimony by Shintech's
consultants on those subjects. However, it is possible that during this lengthy
hearing, I could have "zoned off" on testimony after testimony of white men in
suits telling an 82% African American community where 45% live under poverty
level, that this facility would be good thing for them.
 
However, in looking over the six inch air permit application, there is no
significant discussion of emergency response and worst-case scenarios.  Even if
there was mention of these topics  during the hearing, it is evident from the
AMOUNT of testimony dedicated to "economics" that money takes priority over
health and safety concerns.
 
The slogan of the citizens' campaign to stop Shintech is: Enough is enough! The
message from our side was loud and clear on December 9th and we will continue
to chant it until Shintech gets the message.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
 
Kishi Animashaun 
 

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