Company under Investigation for Dumping Benzene

Benzene Exposure Risk

"Company under Investigation for Dumping Benzene"

December 9, 2008

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are currently investigating a wastewater treatment company in Shreveport, Louisiana for allegedly dumping toxins, including benzene, in the Red River.

The company, known as CCS Midstream Services LLC, has been treating wastewater from oil exploration ventures since 1984.

EPA and DEQ Shut Company Down

However, when initial reports of its illegal benzene dumping surfaced in October 2007, the EPA and DEQ shut CCS Midstream Services LLC down. Over the past year of investigations, CCS Midstream Services LLC has cooperated with both the EPA and the DEQ.

Currently, CCS Midstream Services LLC is petitioning the EPA and DEQ to reopen and resume its treatment operations.

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a clear, sweet smelling substance derived from unrefined petroleum and coal. Although benzene is an essential ingredient in many synthetic substances (including plastics, paints and degreasers), it is extremely toxic when inhaled or ingested. Over short periods of time, benzene exposure can result in:

disorientation
dizziness
headaches
nausea
tremors
unconsciousness

Long Term Benzene Effects

In as little as five years, continued benzene exposure can result in irreversible health complications, including:

anemia
arrhythmia
immune system deficiencies
leukemia
reproductive disorders

Because benzene readily dissolves in air, water and soil, anyone who works around benzene (or those who live near refineries or treatment plants) are at a particularly high risk of unsafe benzene exposure.

Findings of Federal Investigations

While state and federal investigations are ongoing, to date, they have found:

4 tanks of toxic water waiting to be released into Red River
contaminated waste and storm water spilling into Red River
falsified records of water tests and associated discharge papers
evidence that CCS Midstream Services LLC may have continued treating water in early 2008 (despite the fact that the company had been shut down by federal inspectors)

Criminal charges or associated injury lawsuits (due to the effects of benzene exposure on nearby citizens) have yet to be filed against CCS Midstream Services LLC. Neither the EPA nor the DEQ have set a date for the end of their investigations.

(Source: The Shreveport Times)

Have you or a loved one been harmed by benzene exposure? If so, contact us today to meet with an experienced benzene lawyer who can help you pursue your legal claim and win your highly deserved compensation.

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