Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (800) 423-2129 Terms of Use / Privacy Policy Powered By (888) 617-1811 | help@paystar.co PayStar Terms of Use For returns submitted electronically, taxpayers due refunds can expect them within 45 days of the filing date. Its complicated. Services include: The office is located in the Northeast Louisiana State Office Building at 24 Accent Drive, Suite B500, Monroe, LA 71203. The Louisiana Department of Treasury is responsible for overseeing state investments and monitoring the state's cash flow. The facility is the only site in the US to emit the compound, which is a primary constituent of the synthetic rubber neoprene. We noticed your internet browser is not supported. Please click here to see any active alerts. DuPont still owns the land beneath Denkas facility so is also named in the DOJ complaint. A statement issued by Denka on Tuesday said the company strongly disagrees with the legal action and urged the EPA to re-evaluate its findings on chloroprene exposure. If you received one of the letters but havent responded yet, simply complete and return the attached voucher to LDR. The Civil Division represents the State of Louisiana, its departments and agencies, boards and commissions, and statewide elected officials. This complaint filed against Denka delivers on that promise, Regan said. Any refund not claimed by the deadline remains the property of the taxpayer, and can be retrieved from the Unclaimed Property Division. In such cases, please allow additional time, up to 6 days, for processing. Denkas facility is the only one in the country that makes neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber used for wetsuits and mousepads, a process which releases the carcinogen chloroprene. DuPont sold the plant to Denka in 2015 in a secretive deal, which the Guardian later revealed was motivated by concerns from DuPont that it would face heavier regulation after the EPAs decision to classify chloroprene as a likely human carcinogen. St. Charles Parish Waterworks 301 Third Street Luling, LA 70070 985-783-5110 http://stcharlesparish-la.gov/ Need Help Paying? Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 36:703. The agency is now under a court order to get it done. The information you will enter will remain private. Even when Denka's facility was shut down for a month in September 2021 after Hurricane Ida, a small monitoring demonstration test by the Louisiana State University School of Public Health revealed detectable levels of chloroprene in two out of 10 air samples, according to the researchers. . As part of our commitment to sustainability, in 2021 Grist moved its office headquarters to the Bullitt Center in Seattles vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. Justice.gov; News; payment processing to be completed within 3 or 4 business days of the transaction. In the aggregate, the thousands of people breathing this air are incurring a significantly higher cancer risk than would be typically allowed, and they are being exposed to a much greater cancer risk from Denkas air pollution than the majority of United States residents face, the suit states. You have accessed a U.S. Government information system, which includes (1) this computer, (2) this network, (3) all computers connected to this network, and (4) all devices and storage media attached to this network or to a computer on this network. That 2021 test, which was not a formal study, found levels approximately four times above the EPAs recommended maximum annual average chloroprene concentration. State of Louisiana Department of Justice c/o Constituent Services P. O. The move marks a significant escalation of the Biden administrations enforcement action in the Cancer Alley region, and was instantly hailed by members of the predominantly Black community around the plant as a major victory in their ongoing campaign for clean air. Member Address Seat Information; Landry, Jeffrey M. "Jeff" If you have moved or changed your name since your last tax filing, update your contact information at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/AddressChange. All data contained on U.S. Government information systems is owned by the U.S. Government and may, for the purpose of protecting the rights and property of the U.S. Government, be monitored, intercepted, recorded, read, searched, copied, or captured in any manner and disclosed or used for any lawful government purpose at any time. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services works to keep children safe, helps individuals and families become self-sufficient and operates shelters during disasters. Emissions reductions at Denka has been one of our top priorities at LDEQ, and EPAis nowbuilding on the steps LDEQ took five years ago and our continuing efforts to reduce chloroprene emissions from the Denka facility, said LDEQ Secretary Dr. Chuck Carr Brown. Denkas facility, owned by a Japanese company of the same name, was previously a DuPont petrochemical plant. Pursuant to LA R.S. Federal officials sued a Louisiana chemical maker on Tuesday, alleging that it presented an unacceptable cancer risk to the nearby majority-Black community and demanding cuts in toxic emissions. Now, the DOJ has filed a complaint to compel Denka to further reduce its hazardous emissions. assistance. They know they can comply, Hampton said. Denka said in a statement that it has reduced emissions by about 85% since it took over the plant in 2015. These payments must be made to your U. S. District Court Clerks Office. He not only waived any right to appeal, probation, or parole. When I visited Saint John the Baptist Parish during my first Journey to Justice tour, I pledged to the community that EPA would take strong action to protect the health and safety of families from harmful chloroprene pollution from the Denka facility, said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. The EPA said it found during an investigation that state agencies had failed to provide residents with information about the cancer risks associated with chloroprene levels in the area, among other problems. For paper returns, the refund processing time is up to 14 weeks. DuPont did not immediately respond to a request for comment. DuPont is a necessary party to ensure there are no delays in any actions that Denka is ordered to take to reduce its chloroprene emissions as a result of the rights DuPont holds under its lease agreement with Denka. U.S. Government information systems are provided for the processing of official U.S. Government information only. Official websites use .gov The Louisiana Department of Revenue recently began a cooperative project with all other state agencies that provides for suspension and revocation of Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Provides follow-up investigation services for the Criminal Division; responds to requests for investigative assistance from government agencies, including the apprehension of fugitives; and provides investigative services in cyber crimes, white collar crimes, and public corruption. The justice department complaint does not directly specify that Denka should reduce its emissions to the 0.2 micrograms lifetime exposure recommendation, but cites the guidance throughout the complaint. In total, those changes have cost more than $35 million, the company said in its statement. . Today, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in coordination with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act against Denka Performance Elastomer LLC (Denka) to compel Denka to significantly reduce hazardous chloroprene emissions from its neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. The treasurer also serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, which centralizes and administers state debt. license and permit liens (for example, driver, fishing and hunting licenses, etc.) For ACH transactions, a state charge of $2.00 will be added to your invoice in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:316.1. EPA is finally treating this health crisis for what it isan emergency. What remains to be seen, she told Grist in an email, is how much and how fast it will be enforced. Should you choose this option, you can expect The Denka Performance Elastomer plant in LaPlace, Louisiana, along the Mississippi River, is the only facility in the U.S. that produces chloroprene, a chemical used in the production of neoprene. Over the years, Denka has committed to taking steps to reduce the plant's emissions. & authorize PayStar to process this payment along with the service fee of $0.00 which will also be charged to the credit/debit card. 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1600 A locked padlock PayStar Payment Portal PayStar Payment Portal 95 Louisiana Attorney General Louisiana Attorney General Educational Other Debt Revenue State Agency Cancel P.O. Director: Sonia Mallett, Public Protection The Department of Justice is seeking to compel a chemical manufacturing plant to curb its emissions in a region where the estimated cancer risk is among the highest in the United States. Your Address, Corporation Income/Franchise Extension Request. The company has not moved far enough or fast enough to reduce emissions or ensure the safety of the surrounding community. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Our suit aims to stop Denkas dangerous pollution.. Unveiled on Tuesday, the lawsuit alleges emissions at the Pontchartrain Works facility in Reserve, Louisiana, violate the Clean Air Act and present an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and welfare. Contact: dcfs.louisiana.gov 627 N. Fourth St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.524.3578 About the Agency. The only newsroom focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice. Powered by Paystar. Your support keeps our unbiased, nonprofit news free. NOTE: Fees and fines imposed by the licensing agency that are applicable to the reinstatement of the suspended or revoked license/permit document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Biden administration sued a chemical company operating in southeast Louisiana on Tuesday, compelling it to face up to the cancer risk generated by its toxic emissions, a move that activists have been demanding for years. Last January, the environmental watchdog Earthjustice, on behalf of the local advocacy group Concerned Citizens of St. John and the Sierra Club, filed a civil rights complaint with the EPA against Louisianas health department and environmental agency for subjecting Black residents of St. John to disproportionate air pollution from numerous industrial facilities, including Denka. 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Pay.gov is a program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 708049005 (225) 326-6079. This will have a tremendous impact on our struggle here, said Robert Taylor, a founder of Concerned Citizens of St John Parish. Email: [email protected] Powered by Paystar Terms of Use| Privacy Policy| Secure .gov websites use HTTPS After the visit, Regan sent a letter to Denka urging executives to take steps to reduce the threat to those living in the surrounding towns of Laplace and Reserve. Custom payment integrations and software development. Louisiana File Online allows taxpayers to: Taxpayers may also submit their returns using commercially available tax preparation software, or with printed state returns available at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/Forms. According to EPA calculations, emissions from the former DuPont plant, now owned by Denka, present a risk that is especially grave for children. Be the first to find out about the latest legal news, updates, tips, and other information. The Fifth Ward elementary school and residential neighborhoods sit near the Denka plant, back left, in Reserve, Louisiana. Director: Joe Picone More USE OF THIS SYSTEM BY ANY USER, AUTHORIZED OR UNAUTHORIZED, CONSTITUTES YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND CONSENT TO THIS MONITORING, INTERCEPTION, RECORDING, READING, COPYING, OR CAPTURING AND DISCLOSURE. Donate today tohelp keep Grists site and newsletters free. On Tuesday, residents and advocates celebrated the news, describing it as justice long overdue. Eastern District of Louisiana "This action is not the first step we have taken to reduce risks to the people living in Saint John the Baptist Parish, and it will not be the last.". Mary Hampton, another founder of Concerned Citizens of St John Parish, said the lawsuit was the culmination of years of advocacy from community members and represented that finally we have a little hope. The EPAidentifiedchloroprene as a likely human carcinogen in 2010. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Serves as legal advisor and legal representative to all Louisiana gaming regulatory agencies. Email: ConstituentServices@ag.louisiana.gov. 49:251.1, the Department of Justice has provided training for Louisiana's justices of the peace and constables each year since 1972. DuPont remains the owner of the land beneath Denkas facility and acts as a landlord, according to the complaint, meaning DuPont may need to grant permissions in order for emissions to be reduced. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at collectionsinfo@ag.louisiana.gov or by phone at 225-326-6550 or 1-800-423-2129. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (800) 423-2129 Terms of Use / Privacy Policy Powered By (888) 617-1811 | help@paystar.co In August, LDR sent Notice of Unclaimed Property letters to 20,400 individual and business taxpayers. The complaint, first reported by NBC News, was filed Tuesday in the U.S. District . Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry Loading. The complaint asserts that the LaPlace plants operations present an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and welfare due to the cancer risks from Denkas chloroprene emissions. Facebook, Follow us on Once taxpayer obligations are Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Justice Department by phone at 1-833-492-0097, or by email at community.louisianadoc@usdoj.gov. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. So far, approximately 4,000 have responded to claim their refunds. EPA air monitoring around the facility has consistently shown readings well in excess of the recommended lifetime exposure limit of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Fifth Ward Elementary School and residential neighborhoods near the Denka Performance Elastomer Plant in Louisiana. Sign In Separately, the two groups sued the EPA for missing a deadline to update its regulations for neoprene manufacturing plants. licenses and permits previously issued to taxpayers that have failed to meet their tax obligations. Official websites use .gov The Louisiana Department of Revenue provides for secured payment of returns through use of credit card vendors. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 1999-2023 Grist Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. IE 11 is not supported. Director: Chris Hebert, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation WASHINGTON Federal officials sued a Louisiana chemical maker on Tuesday, alleging that it presents an unacceptable cancer risk to the nearby majority-Black community and demanding . Provides legal services to the statein the areas of consumer protection and environmental law, insurance receivership, and fair housing. In its complaint filed on Tuesday, the Justice Department also named Dupont as a party responsible for ensuring that the plant reduces its emissions of chloroprene, which has been linked to numerous cancers and diseases of the nervous, immune, and respiratory systems. Our suit aims to stop Denkas dangerous pollution.. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. It was part of the Biden administrations effort to spotlight concerns of environmental justice, a term that refers to the disproportionate pollution borne by so many low income communities of color across the country. U.S. District Courts Eastern District of Louisiana Middle District of Louisiana Western District of Louisiana U.S. Bankruptcy Courts Eastern District of Louisiana Middle District of Louisiana Western District of Louisiana State and Local Courts State Judiciary Judiciary - Links to Louisiana Courts Supreme Court EPA is taking an unprecedented step deviating from its permitting and rulemaking authorities to allege an emergency based on outdated and erroneous science the agency released over 12 years ago, the statement said. Your dealings with us should be as quick and painless as possible. Can you tell if a bomb train is coming to your town? Twitter, Follow us on Employers / Post Job. Reader support helps sustain our work. The lawsuit contains further details of the plants recent chloroprene emissions, which fell after Denka constructed emissions offset technology after its purchase of the plant, but still remains dangerously high and in some locations 14 times over the recommended exposure limit. Environmental lawyers and residents of St. John have petitioned state and federal authorities to do more to tamp down Denkas emissions for years. Grist is powered by WordPress VIP. If you have any questions call the DOJ Consolidated Debt Collection System (CDCS) Help Desk at 1-800-683-6567. You must be signed in to submit this form. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Design and build by Upstatement. 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