Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Alsen, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1986-10-24

Duration: 00:11:25

Subjects: Environment | Rollins Environmental Services, Inc. | Louisiana. Department of Environmental Quality | HAZARDOUS WASTES

Contributors:

• Hinton, Rob Host
• Roedts, Lynda Reporter
• Edwards, Mildred Interviewee
• Norton, Pat Interviewee
• McCastle, Mary Interviewee
• Khoury, John Speaker
• Sheppard, John Interviewee
• Rolfs, Emile, III Interviewee
• Orr, Mary Lee Interviewee
• Hagerman, David Interviewee
• Willis, Frank Interviewee
• Horton, Sterling Interviewee

This segment from the October 24, 1986, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Lynda Roedts’ report on the long-standing fight between the residents of Alsen, a predominately African American community in northern East Baton Rouge Parish, and Rollins Environmental Services, a hazardous waste incinerator company. Her report covers: the class action lawsuit filed by Alsen residents against Rollins; the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) citing Rollins with 44 violations following an August 5, 1985, release of black smoke at the incinerator; and the controversial decision made by DEQ Assistant Secretary John Khoury finding Rollins guilty of only two charges and fining them $15,000. Roedts interviews: Mildred Edwards, Alsen resident; DEQ Secretary Pat Norton; Mary McCastle, Alsen resident; Assistant Attorney General John Sheppard; Emile Rolfs III, attorney for Rollins; Mary Lee Orr, environmentalist; David Hagerman, the general manager for Rollins; Frank Willis, the CEO of Rollins; and Sterling Horton, Alsen resident. Host: Rob Hinton