PCP Chemical Spill (1980)
Louisiana: The State We're In
Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: News, Public Affairs
Place Covered: Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 1980-08-01
Duration: 00:07:54
Subjects: Environment | Marine accidents | Collisions at sea | Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal (La.) | Chemical spills | Pentachlorophenol | United States. Coast Guard | HAZARDOUS WASTES | Water pollution | Pollution | SEAFOOD INDUSTRY | Lake Borgne (La.)
Contributors:
- Blome, Ron Host
- Byars, Fred Interviewee
- Hill, Ralph Speaker
- Porter, Jim Speaker
- Colson, Joseph Speaker
Description
This segment from the August 1, 1980, episode of “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features a report on a shipping accident in the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal (MRGO) that dumped 12 tons of the chemical Pentachlorophenol, or PCP, into the water. This report focuses on the clean-up efforts by the Coast Guard, concerns over how to dispose of the hazardous waste once it is brought to the surface, and the effect of the spill on the seafood industry due to the contamination of fishing grounds, like Lake Borgne. Host: Ron Blome