St. Bernard residents and community groups have filed a lawsuit challenging plans to build a $1.5 billion container ship terminal in the parish, alleging the project would devastate the region’s quality of life, destroy wetlands and lead to choking traffic.
Stop the Destruction of St. Bernard Inc. (SOS) and others filed the lawsuit Dec. 14 in the 34th Judicial District, with the Port of New Orleans listed as one of the defendants. The complaint paints a picture of damaging noise, emissions that harm public health, loss of wetlands and 18-wheeler traffic on highways if the project is approved.
“Port NOLA is running roughshod over our community, completely disregarding the people who live here to force their massive container terminal on us,” said attorney Sidney Torres III in a prepared statement. “Literally millions of containers will be unloaded in our small town, destroying our way of life, endangering public health, damaging the environment and decimating the economy.”
The African-American community of Violet, which is located next to the project site along the Mississippi River and contains numerous historic and cultural sites, would be particularly affected, the lawsuit says.
Jessica Ragusa, the Port of NOLA spokeswoman, however, emphasized that the container terminal would bring generational economic benefits to the state and the parish. The port plans to file a response to the complaint within the permitted time frame, according to Ragusa, who stressed that the lawsuit is premature and contains statements not based on fact.
“Much of the petition is centered around environmental and quality-of-life concerns – issues that will be addressed in the multi-year federal and state permitting process that is just now beginning,” she told the Louisiana Record in an email. “Combining extensive historic, demographic, economic, environmental and engineering review with considerable opportunity for public comment and input, this permitting process will allow us to address concerns, including traffic, safety, environmental, infrastructure, historic preservation and other issues related to the project.”
The plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction against the container project, which they see as running counter to the public interests of parish residents.
“Port NOLA has inserted itself into the affairs of the parish of St. Bernard and is engaged in an effort with the cooperation of St. Bernard Port to build a massive terminal … (on) a narrow strip of land unsuitable for the type of development being proposed,” the lawsuit says.
But Ragusa said the port is committed to working with residents and businesses to create new economic opportunities and value while protecting the parish’s quality of life.