USW challenges DPE over chloroprene emissions

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The US-based union, United Steelworkers (USW) has warned Louisiana State Governor, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, that she should closely monitor the emissions of chloroprene from the LaPlace, Louisiana polychloroprene plant operated by DuPont Performance Elastomers (DPE). DPE has said it intends to expand the factory while closing another.

“The community should demand accountability from DuPont and the strictest safety precautions,” said USW District 13 Director Mickey Breaux. “While workers inside the facility already have been exposed, we are concerned for their health and safety as the production levels are expected to dramatically increase.”

DuPont intends to close its other US polychloroprene rubber facility in Louisville and consolidate the production in LaPlace next year with the addition of only a few new jobs. The USW represents DPE workers at the Louisville facility.

In the letter to the Governor, the USW quotes official statistics showing the Louisville plant emitted over 166 tonnes of chloroprene in 2005, while the LaPlace plant emitted about 135 tonnes. The union argues that the combined emissions would be concentrated in one place, leading to potential health hazards among residents and workers.

DPE issued a statement deploring the allegations: "We take exception to the statements made by the USW about the environmental performance of DPE's Neoprene operation in La Place, Louisiana, USA. The consolidation of Neoprene operations includes investment to reduce the site's environmental footprint while at the same time enhancing the site's production capabilities. Our permitted emissions are reduced by 10% from before the project. Overall, the consolidation has a very positive environmental impact by cutting Louisville emissions to zero and improving the La Place site's environmental performance at the same time."

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Press release from USW

Letter from USW to Louisiana State Governor