Councilman initiates resolution to address red dust issue in Gonzales

Pelican Crossing residents, a Gonzales neighbourhood, have been struggling with a persistent problem for the past four years: red dust, identified as bauxite, continuously blankets their homes and surroundings. This issue stems from the former Lalumina Burnside Refinery site and has significantly impacted the quality of life for the local community.

The red dust issue has become increasingly problematic due to dry weather conditions, causing it to spread further and affecting homes, yards, and vehicles. Residents have expressed their frustration, noting that dust infiltrates garages and patios and necessitates frequent cleaning. In addition, it poses safety hazards, including reduced visibility when it covers the roads and school closures when it drifts towards educational institutions.

The affected residents have been voicing their concerns for years, prompting action from local authorities and environmental agencies.

To mitigate the red dust problem, the responsible company has installed 35 new sprinklers, with an additional 100 on order, according to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). However, residents believe more must be done to resolve the issue comprehensively.

Joel Robert, the representative for the district, is taking steps to address this persistent problem. He is currently working on two resolutions to alleviate the red dust issue.

Resolution 1: Topsoil covering

The first resolution proposes using existing topsoil from a levee extension project to cover the red dust. This method, pending approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, aims to encapsulate the dust, preventing it from dispersing when it dries up. The councilman expressed his commitment to this solution, emphasising its potential effectiveness.

Resolution 2: Permanent removal of red dust

The second resolution seeks a more permanent solution. It involves engaging a company specialising in extracting and refining red dust by-products from aluminium production. However, this approach faces challenges, as the company does not have ownership or a formal agreement with the landowners.

The council is presently awaiting approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with the first resolution, which involves covering the red dust with topsoil. Once approved, this action is expected to provide some relief to the affected residents.