While the City of Shreveport is pleased that Louisiana Proteins has agreed to pay a fine and plead to charges in the settlement of pending litigation, Mayor Cedric Glover wants the citizens to know that efforts to rid the city of the intolerably offensive odors .. have not stopped.

“We are by no means through with the rendering plant. The whole reason for going to the State and getting the legislation passed was that we did not feel the existing local ordinance gave us enough teeth to be effective.”

The City chose to settle the old cases because of the limitations of the existing laws and the difficulty of enforcement. The Council will be asked to approve legislation during their September 11 meeting, based upon the new state law (Act 340, effective 7/9/07) that will strengthen the City’s enforcement authority over this operation. Passage of the legislation will also provide a more viable basis for injunctive relief against the operation.

Upon passage of the legislation, an aggressive enforcement program will begin that will include continual monitoring, the issuance of citations and legal action to force compliance with the ordinance. Efforts will also include aggressive and vigilant contact with the State Department of Environmental Quality to ensure continued monitoring and swift enforcement.

Local leaders would also like to see the State Department of Environmental Quality provide greater assistance in regulating the odors. “Approving an air permit or establishing levels that still allow for such noxious odors, does not help the situation. Granting then a permit before the stink stops will be viewed as an attack on the citizens of Shreveport,” says Glover.

“I believe it is their responsibility to assist us in sending the message that we will not sit idly by and simply grin and bear it.”

“The neighbors who reside and operate businesses in the area, as well as, those who work in and promote downtown development have spoken loudly and clearly that something needs to be done,” Mayor Glover continued. “We have worked hard to enhance our ability to provide an effective solution.”

“I am pleased that this Administration recognizes the importance of the Agurs and North Shreveport communities to the overall economy of Shreveport. Because of this recognition, it is important that one business not be allowed to ruin or diminish the value of businesses and homes of the citizens in the area,” states City Councilman Calvin Lester, whose district includes the affected area. “I am concerned that the efforts of this operation to skirt the intent, if not the letter of the law, are indicative of their lack of respect for their business and citizen neighbors. That is why these steps are so critically important.”

City Council Chairman Monty Walford, whose business is located nearby, agrees that aggressive enforcement of the local ordinance is necessary. “I would like to see them cited each and every time they begin to cook and the smell violates our ordinance. If they continue to do so, we will work with Mayor Glover to find a legal way to eliminate the problem.”