Collection:LPB

Genre: News, Public Affairs

Place Covered: Louisiana, Chalmette, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, Laplace, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1983-09-09

Duration: 00:10:10

Subjects: SAFETY | REFINERIES | PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY | EXPLOSIONS | FIRES | Tenneco Oil Refinery (Chalmette, La.)

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Johnson, Ken Reporter
• Ansley, Joe Interviewee
• Hoffer, Bill Interviewee
• Brown, Don Interviewee
• Callara, Steve Interviewee
• Goudeau, Al Interviewee
• Ferdinand, Amelia Interviewee
• Morgan, Haywood Interviewee

This segment from the September 9, 1983, episode of “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Ken Johnson’s report on the safety at refineries and petrochemical chemical plants following the recent explosions and fires at the Tenneco Oil Refinery in Chalmette and the Dupont Pontchartrain Works Plant near LaPlace. Johnson reports that fifteen workers in Louisiana have died in explosions in the past year and a half. He interviews: Joe Ansley, the area director for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), on the large number of inspections performed by his office and the safety programs at the refineries and plants; Bill Hoffer and Steve Callara of Chalmette on their concerns following the Tenneco fire; Don Brown of the Tennecco Oil Company on the recent fire and the importance of safety to the company; Lieutenant Al Goudeau of the Louisiana State Police on the overall safety at the plants and the obligations that the companies have to engage with their local communities; and Amelia Ferdinand of Port Allen and Haywood Morgan of Sunrise on their concerns about living near the Placid Oil Company plant. Host: Beth Courtney