Mar 28 5:08 PM

Future of Louisiana community uncertain as chemical plant expands

Screenshot of Sasol's Voluntary Property Purchase Program website.
Screenshot of the Sasol Voluntary Property Purchase Program website.


The predominantly African-American community of Mossville, Louisiana may cease to exist as South African chemical giant Sasol paves the way for a massive new plant by paying for residents to relocate.

Mossville has withstood decades of industrial activity — and the pollution and health problems that accompanied it. The unincorporated community in Calcasieu Parish (map below) is surrounded by 14 industrial facilities, with vinyl plants, an oil refinery, a coal-fired power plant and petrochemical manufacturers among them. Sasol's plan to build a three-square-mile facility in neighboring Westlake and buy local property under the Voluntary Property Purchase Program is the final straw for many Mossville residents who have endured a long history of troubles due to local industry.

Related

Places
Louisiana
Topics
Fracking

Find Al Jazeera America on your TV

Get email updates from Al Jazeera America

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Get email updates from Al Jazeera America

Sign up for our weekly newsletter