Expert analysis of health and environmental data supported client with facility expansion in Louisiana, screening for environmental justice (EJ)
Challenge
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) air permitting process required evaluation of the potential for disparate impacts of a facility on the surrounding community, which is comprised of predominantly people of color and people living with low income.
What we did
We leveraged the use of USEPA’s EJScreen tool with state health and environmental monitoring data to assess health and environmental concerns highlighted by EJScreen, calculate cumulative health risks, and respond to specific community concerns related to air toxics. Detailed analysis was used to support the air permit application, which was approved by LDEQ.
The result
The permit application was approved, facilitating expanded operations at the facility and continued community investments. We continue to support the client with compliance and permitting needs.