The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sued multiple manufacturers and refiners for allegedly releasing or intending to release hazardous chemicals at the Calcasieu Estuary Site in Lake Charles.
According to the complaint filed on April 12 in the Western Louisiana U.S. District Court, the defendants are in violation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
The entire list of defendants includes: Axiall Corporation, Citgo Petroleum Corporation, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC, Bridgestone Americas Inc., Firestone Polymers LLC, Occidental Chemical Corporation, OXY USA Inc., PPG Industries Inc. and Westlake Polymers LLC.
The defendants operate various heavy manufacturing plants and refineries.
The discharge included wastewater and stormwater that allegedly contained hazardous substances such as phenanthrene, benzene, lead and others.
The EPA requests the defendants be held liable for costs under CERCLA.
The plaintiff is represented by Kenneth Long of the U.S. Department of Justice.