Runoff from Atalco alumina refinery into Mississippi River raises environmental concerns

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Toxic discharge from Atalco refinery seen flowing into Mississippi River

State data shows pH levels far exceeding EPA standards

Facility has violated discharge permits in 25 of 27 months

Environmental advocates urge higher fines and accountability for repeated violations

A cloudy, rust-colored liquid plume, roughly the size of a football field, flowed into the Mississippi River last week out of a drainage pipe from the Atlantic Alumina refinery in the River Parishes .

Recent state records indicate this runoff into the river is dangerously caustic and the amount has well exceeded what’s allowed under federal environmental standards. It continues a pattern spanning several months during which the company has struggled to contain toxic releases from its facility d