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EPA and Louisiana Declare ExxonMobil Facility "Ready for Reuse"

Release Date: 12/9/2003
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) issued the first "ready for reuse" determination in Louisiana to the ExxonMobil Chemical Company's Baton Rouge Plastics Plant (BRPP).

      LDEQ and EPA agree that the ExxonMobil BRPP has successfully completed its evaluation of the property.  The "ready for reuse" determination verifies that the environmental conditions on the site are protective of human health and the environment based on its current use and anticipated future use as a commercial/industrial property.

      EPA Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division Director Carl Edlund said, "Today's announcement highlights our newest program to promote the reuse of formerly used industrial properties.  We are building on our experience using the enormously successful brownfields program.  Our 'ready for reuse' determinations clear the way for reuse of valuable natural resources by providing necessary encouragement and assurances to developers."

      A "ready for reuse' determination provides, in a straightforward manner, specific information about each site including the nature and extent of contamination, the cleanup work performed (if needed), and the status of the property with respect to state and federal requirements.

      LDEQ Secretary Hall Bohlinger said, "We are extremely pleased with the hard work and initiative by all parties to reach this milestone.  Our goal is to replicate the success of this site and continue this precedent with other facilities across the state."

      BRPP Plant Manager Richard Mohring said, "Preserving the environment has and continues to be a core value for everyone at the Baton Rouge Plastics Plant since our inception in 1968.  The fact that we were able to achieve this recognition without the need for any remediation is tangible evidence of that commitment.  We are proud of our ongoing efforts to protect our groundwater, which from our perspective is what being a good neighbor is all about."

      BRPP is located at 11675 Scotland Avenue at the southwestern corner of the intersection of Highway 19 and Thomas Road on approximately 153 acres of property between Scotlandville and Baker, La.  BRPP produces low-density polyethylene in the form of plastic pellets.

      More information about the ExxonMobil BRPP "ready for reuse" determination is available at www.epa.gov/earth1r6/ready4reuse.