Gramercy alumina refinery put on notice for toxic discharges into Mississippi River

Gramercy alumina refinery put on notice for toxic discharges into Mississippi River

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Louisiana DEQ issues notice of potential penalty after effluent killed 64% of tested crustaceans. Toxic runoff from Atalco’s Mississippi River outfall detected, including high pH and red mud contamination. Facility’s previous violations include erosion in waste levees and uncontrolled slurry discharges. Experts warn toxicity tests signal serious environmental risks despite fish showing minimal impact. A refinery near Gramerc…

Gramercy alumina refinery put on notice for toxic discharges into Mississippi River

The Atlantic Alumina Co. refinery in Gramercy on Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator via SouthWings)A refinery near Gramercy faces new allegations from state regulators after water samples taken from the facility’s Mississippi River outfall proved deadly to aquatic animals during a routine lab test.   On Oct. 24, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality issued a new “Notice of Potential Penalty” compliance order to…