News Summary
The Atalco bauxite refinery in St. James Parish faces heightened scrutiny due to reported red-tinted runoff and violations in waste containment. Inspections have revealed severe issues with levees allowing caustic runoff to reach nearby swamps, raising alarms about pollution and health risks. Local residents express growing concerns about environmental impacts and health issues linked to the refinery’s emissions. Despite commitment to repair measures, criticism mounts over Atalco’s safety record and regulatory compliance.
St. James Parish is facing significant environmental scrutiny following reports of red-tinted runoff originating from the Atalco bauxite refinery, which is located north of the facility along U.S. 61. Inspections conducted by state regulators in 2024 and 2025 have revealed substantial issues relating to the refinery’s perimeter levees and waste containment systems.
The Atalco facility, operated by Atlantic Alumina, is the only remaining bauxite ore refinery in the United States. The refining process produces a by-product called “red mud,” which contains trace heavy metals and slightly radioactive elements. The amount of red mud generated is significant, with operations producing between 1 to 1½ pounds of the substance for every pound of alumina processed.
Authorities have indicated that failures in levees and ditches at the Atalco complex have allowed caustic runoff to seep into nearby swamps. Over the span of 11 months, inspections identified multiple breakdowns in the containment system, including concerns about deep erosion channels up to 10 feet deep and inadequate vegetation around the levees. State environmental regulators have cited approximately 70 violations related to water quality and have issued compliance orders, along with threats of fines due to these infractions.
Reports show that toxic runoff, characterized by its bright red and orange coloration and caustic odor, has been observed flowing from the levees into the Blind River Swamp. Vegetation in the affected areas has exhibited signs of distress, raising alarms about the environmental impacts of the runoff on local ecosystems. Additionally, research from Southeastern Louisiana University suggests that the red mud runoff may be contributing to pollution in Lake Maurepas.
Regulatory bodies, including the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), have emphasized that the liquid seeping from the levees is categorized as solid waste and is being illegally discharged into the environment. Furthermore, Atalco has come under fire for allegedly failing to report these containment problems in a timely manner, as mandated by environmental regulations.
In light of these findings, DEQ has noted that Atalco did not perform adequate inspections of its containment systems, which are necessary to detect deterioration. Community concerns have also surged regarding potential health effects linked to environmental pollution, particularly in a region often referred to as “Cancer Alley” due to its high incidence of cancer cases correlated with industrial emissions.
Residents in proximity to the Atalco facility have voiced complaints regarding dust and pollution, with many attributing health issues to emissions from the refinery. Moreover, Atalco’s safety record has been called into question, with multiple incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities over recent years.
Despite these challenges and criticisms, Atalco asserts that its operations are essential for national security, producing nearly 40% of the nation’s alumina. The company has committed to making repairs to the containment systems and claims to have halted any seepage incidents while disputing the classification of the leaking liquid as solid waste.
Future planning for Atalco includes potential expansions funded by the U.S. Export-Import Bank, aimed at increasing its output. However, this development has not alleviated the ongoing concerns expressed by environmental advocates and local residents regarding the operational practices of the refinery and the lasting impact on the surrounding environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AlCircle: State Regulators Demand Action from Atlantic Alumina
- Wikipedia: Bauxite
- La Illuminator: Red Alert Two – Atalco
- Google Search: Red Mud Environmental Impact
- La Illuminator: Alumina Waste
- Google Scholar: Bauxite Refinery Environmental Issues
- La Illuminator: Red Alert One
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alumina
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
