“We are requesting …[a]ll materials that describe EPA actions
prior to Katrina in response to the storm to ensure that there were
no unregulated releases of hazardous substances from the
petro-chemical industry located in the path of Katrina,” read the
request. “Please provide copies of all documents…regarding
industry compliance since Katrina became a tropical depression as
well additional documents…regarding storm preparation and response
by industry prior to the 2005 hurricane season.”
Some of the areas hardest hit by Katrina are home to hundreds of
petro-chemical plants that manufacture, store and use tons of
highly dangerous substances ranging from gasoline to chlorine and
vinyl chloride. Residents affected by Hurricane Katrina face
severe air and water pollution by toxins that are released when
refineries are damaged during a storm.
“There is a reason why it is called ‘hurricane season.’ Every
year, we know that certain parts of the country face these
potentially devastating weather events” said Greenpeace Legislative
Director and toxics expert Rick Hind. “Planning for such a
catastrophe should have been done in advance. The public has a
right to know what steps our government and the industry has taken
to safeguard them from the toxic hazards that are compounded by
hurricanes and severe storms.”
Read the FOIA request letter
here. Read an accompanying letter to EPA Administrator Stephen
Johnson
here.
