River parish residents sue Formosa Plastics over burial site for their descendants
'Formosa Plastics has met them with threats, threats of law enforcement action, threats of litigation and threats and surveillance from private security contractors. Today, our clients say no more,' said attorney from the Center for Constitutional Rights Kayla Vinson.
Three arrested, one sought following Kenner shooting
The $9.4 billion planned plastics facility was acquired in 2017 in St. James Parish.
In 2024, the remains of five enslaved people were discovered by researcher Lenora Gobert.
'Simon, Betsy, Rachel, Stanley and Harry deserve no less than to have their lives, along with the many others interred in the burial site,' said Gobert.
The lawsuit claims that since 2019, the residents' only goal has been to honor and dignify their deaths, something they never received. Filing in federal court, Vinson says Formosa has continuously violated the 13th Amendment.
'We envision a place where all future generations can come to pay their respects, not only to these five souls, but all the souls buried on the Bonavista property,' said Co-Founder of Inclusive Louisiana Gail LeBoeuf.
'Our clients are asking the court to issue an order declaring that Formosa Plastics has violated their rights to access to care and to protect the sacred grounds of the Buena Vista Plantation cemetery,' said Vinson.
Tractor trailer hauling scrap overturned in Pearl River area
Those like Barbara Washington say this shows the ongoing battle their area known as 'Cancer Alley' is faced with.
The groups are requesting a judge to end Formosa's power and protection against interference with any of the remains found on the property.
'They poisoned our community by polluting the air, the land and the water with carcinogens and other toxic pollutants and waste, ' said Washington.
With the lawsuit in the early stage, Vinson is unsure of a timeline for it to end.
'It could be a few months before there's sort of a next step in the litigation. And it could be years before the litigation is resolved entirely,' said Vinson.
A statement attributable to Janile Parks, Director of Community and Government Relations for FG LA LLC says:
'FG is aware of the lawsuit, although it has not formally been served and reviewed. FG remains committed to the St. James Parish community and to preserving its rich history and cultural resources. FG has been and will always be respectful of the remains and unmarked burial site within property the company owns in St. James Parish. With the oversight of and coordination by the appropriate governmental agencies, FG has followed all procedures in researching and preserving the protected area. FG has been fully transparent and cooperative in giving residents access to the burial site.FG and one of the plaintiffs were parties to a previous lawsuit concerning the terms of access to the burial site for an event to be held by the plaintiff and other groups in February 2025. Ultimately, FG provided access and the plaintiff's event went forward without incident. Since the event in question went forward by agreement of the parties, the previous lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice.We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state regulators and local partners to navigate the final steps in bringing this important project to reality. FG is disappointed by the delays the project has faced, but remains confident that all permits were properly issued. We do not intend to give up the fight for this important economic development project that will benefit the people of St. James Parish and Louisiana.Rest assured, we continue to navigate these ongoing challenges to the project.'Stormy by day with Super BUCK Moon by night for Thursday
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