Parish and Industry Form Partnership to Fix Damaged Sewer Line

May 18, 2004 – (Norco, LA) – St. Charles Parish President Albert Laque and Motiva Norco Refinery Manager Keith Casey entered into a cooperative agreement on Wednesday to replace a ruptured sewer line in Norco located on the Motiva and Shell facility.

This agreement came as the result of the line collapsing. A remote camera discovered the rupture after drainage problems were reported to the Parish. Several options to remedy the situation were discussed by St. Charles Parish Public Works/Wastewater Department, Motiva and Shell officials. The existing pumps were installed in the late 1950’s to early 1960’s and are located in an underground, pre-fabricated dry well. The existing pumps no longer operate as designed and must be replaced. The group came to the conclusion that it would be best to install two new small grinder pumps, a new sump, and a new lift station in its existing spot just north of the Illinois Central railroad tracks.

Motiva Norco Refining and Shell Chemical Norco have agreed to pay $200,000 each towards the installation of the new equipment. This project will allow the Parish to obtain new, above ground pumps that can be easily accessed without entering the Motiva and Shell facility.

“Motiva has always maintained that it’s committed to working cooperatively with St. Charles Parish to identify and implement the best solutions for both our business and the communities in which we operate,” commented Motiva Refinery Manager Keith Casey.

“This is another example of how the good working relationships we have developed with our neighbors in the business community saves money for the taxpayers,” said Parish President Albert Laque.  “I thank Motiva and Shell for once again demonstrating its commitment to the residents of St. Charles Parish.” 

For more information regarding this cooperative effort, please contact the following:

Steve Sirmon                                         Kimberly Windon                                              David Brignac
St. Charles Parish                                  Motiva Norco Refinery                                      Shell Chemical Norco
Public Information Officer                      External Affairs Manager                                   External Affairs Manager
(985) 783-5000                                    (504) 465-6759                                                (504) 465-6837

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