Shreveport Refinery Reaches Out to Neighbors

Shreveport's Calumet Lubricants is trying to calm the nerves of the refinery's neighbors in regards to safety. Along with city officials, and a number of community residents, Calumet officials announced a plan to send more than 1100 mailers to residents who live within a half mile radius of the refinery. "It's our goal to let people know what's being done and how they can take part in it," Liz Swaine, Calumet Communications Director, said.

The pamphlet and magnet explain what residents should do if an emergency inside the plant moves beyond its walls and into the neighborhoods. Even though officials say that an accident has never happened, the chance is always there. Calumet community board member Lucy James calls the mailer a step in the right direction. "It gives you detailed information on what to do and what not to do," James said.

We decided to go beyond the press conference and see what other Calumet neighbors thought. Those we spoke with weren't convinced that the mailer would be effective. "In a sense it makes me feel better," Frances People, a nearby resident, said, " but not really because you can be sleep and that plant can blow up." Another resident said, "I'm sure anything's an improvement."

Despite those doubts, Calumet officials say they take community safety very seriously and the fact that no plant emergency has ever spilled into the neighborhood proves that. " We work monthly, weekly and daily with emergency officials on our safety," Swaine said. The easy to understand pamphlet is supposed to help the community understand that. However, some question whether that will be enough to convince nervous neighbors that they're safe.

Residents and Calumet officials say this is a work in progress and once the mailers go out, they'll take a look at whether they were effective and take more steps to reach out and comfort their neighbors.