Birmingham Community on Alert Over Bluestone Coke Plant Developments
Birmingham, Ala. – Legal representatives for various environmental groups in Alabama are once again making headlines with their ongoing fight against the now-defunct Bluestone Coke plant. Recently, new court documents were filed, indicating that the plant’s owners have failed to meet a court-mandated deadline to pay certain fees.
Background on the Case
In August, reports indicated that a federal judge found the owners of Bluestone Coke in civil contempt. This ruling stemmed from allegations that the owners had not provided necessary documentation or responded to multiple requests pertaining to the case. The court gave the owners until September 11 to comply with these requirements.
Despite the plant’s closure, environmental advocates such as the Black Warrior Riverkeeper and the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP) have filed a lawsuit claiming that Bluestone has continued to discharge harmful and illegal pollutants into Five Mile Creek.
Current Developments
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing the environmental groups, has stated that while some documents were ultimately provided by Bluestone, the company has yet to pay the required court fees. SELC attorney Sarah Stokes expressed concern, stating, “We are reviewing the documents Bluestone provided and hope they are in compliance with the court’s order. We will continue our fight holding the representatives of Bluestone Coke accountable for the ongoing pollution happening in Birmingham.”
The situation remains tense as Nelson Brooke from Black Warrior Riverkeeper emphasized the serious implications of the ongoing pollution, saying, “While Jay Justice and Bluestone Coke defiantly skirt court orders, their toxic pollution continues to taint North Birmingham communities and Five Mile Creek. This industrial facility has polluted the air, land, groundwater, and streams in this area with impunity for far too long.”
Response from Bluestone Coke
In response to the allegations, an attorney representing Bluestone Coke stated that the company has “not been served with a complaint in this case and does not know what is being alleged.” They affirmed that they had addressed all water-related issues at the plant in cooperation with state regulatory agencies. “Bluestone Coke is committed to being a good environmental steward and will continue to maintain its facility in accordance with that principle,” the attorney remarked.
Impact on the Community
The ongoing legal disputes and environmental concerns have cast a shadow over Birmingham communities, particularly those near the former Bluestone plant. Local residents and community activists are keeping a close watch on the developments, hoping for accountability and effective remediation of the pollution that has affected their lives and environment for too long.
As this case progresses, it remains to be seen how the courts will respond to the legal filings and whether the community will see meaningful action regarding environmental cleanup and safety. The people of Birmingham are rallying for a healthier environment, stressing the importance of holding polluters accountable for their actions.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as this significant issue unfolds, impacting not only the local ecology but also the health and well-being of neighborhoods in the Greater Birmingham area.
