Environmental team addresses waste tire crisis in New Orleans and Cottonport sites

During a recent meeting of the Louisiana Appropriations Committee, significant discussions centered on environmental concerns, particularly regarding waste tire management in New Orleans and Cottonport. The committee highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to address the growing issue of unauthorized waste tires, which pose serious health and safety risks to local communities.

One of the key topics was the state’s waste tire management fund, which has seen an increase of $1.3 million. This funding boost is attributed to a rise in waste tire fees and a decrease in processing delays. However, committee members expressed concern over the current state of waste tire processing facilities, noting that production has not fully recovered since disruptions caused by fires and contractual disputes at processing plants.

The discussion also touched on the Cottonport site, where a significant number of waste tires remain. The committee has formed specialized "tiger teams" to tackle legacy environmental hazards, and efforts are underway to clean up the site. Notably, a $4.5 million lien was recently removed from the property, which had previously hindered cleanup efforts. The committee is working closely with local parish officials to assess the costs and logistics of removing the waste tires, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by the site, including the risk of fire.

The urgency of these discussions reflects a broader commitment to improving environmental safety and public health in Louisiana. As the committee continues to address these pressing issues, residents can expect more proactive measures aimed at mitigating the risks associated with waste tire accumulation in their communities.