Vermilion's ‘Citizens Against Multi-Chem’ worried about chemical company discharging water into ditch

“The Citizens against Multi-Chem” have a new fight on their hands.
Two years ago a group of Vermilion Parish residents known as “The Citizens against Multi-Chem” tried to stop Multi-Chem from locating in Vermilion Parish. The group was created two years ago after learning Multi-Chem purchased 64 acres on La. 92, in the North Vermilion area. The New Iberia company purchased the land to build a brand new office facility, blending plant and state-of-the-art field laboratory.
The plant and office were built on eight acres of land and the rest of 56 acres are used for green space.
Now, The Citizens Against Multi-Chem recently learned that Multi-Chem is applying for a permit to discharge water into a drainage ditch along La. 92.
The hearing is for the public to voice their concerns about Multi-Chem being able to discharge the water into the drainage ditch.
The hearing will be held Thursday in the North Vermilion Cafeteria, starting at 6 p.m.
Residents can only voice their concerns to DEQ about the discharge permit. It will not be a question and answer meeting about the permit.
According to Marcella Manuel, president of The Citizens Against Multi-Chem, the permit is to empty 11,000 gallons of discharged water into the ditch along La. 92. She said she learned Multi-Chem is also requesting to use 48,000 gallons of water each day from the parish’s water district
“We are hoping DEQ takes our concerns seriously and not grant the permit at all,” said Manuel.
Before the contaminated water used at the plant is discharged into the ditch, it goes through a process called reverse osmosis. This process is capable of removing 99 percent of dissolved salt, bacteria and germs from the water.
Residents are worried about the discharged water, despite it going through filters. They are worried the water will still be contaminated and will hurt the parish’s water supply.
Also, the use of that much fresh water per day is not good for the Chico Aquifer, Manuel added.
Other resident are concerned that emptying thousands of gallons of water into the drainage ditches will create flood problems when there is lots of rain.