Residents along Bayou Lafourche in Louisiana are questioning the accuracy of environmental monitoring following an oil spill in July, despite reassurances from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that air quality posed no threat to human health.
Julie Dermansky and Sharon Kelly report for DeSmog.
In short:
- Crescent Midstream spilled 34,000 gallons of crude oil into Bayou Lafourche, triggering an emergency response.
- The EPA and a company-hired contractor claimed air monitoring showed no risk, but residents experienced strong fumes and health symptoms.
- Critics argue that inadequate testing, including a lack of stationary air monitors, failed to fully capture the spill’s impact.
Key quote:
“If you can smell the crude, you can detect benzene.”
— Wilma Subra, environmental scientist and community advocate.
Why this matters:
Relying on contractors hired by responsible companies raises concerns about conflicts of interest in environmental disaster responses. Long-term health effects from exposure to benzene, a chemical found in oil, may go underreported without comprehensive testing.
Related: Energy industry mishaps show differing community responses
