By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / February 22, 1999

NORCO – A “ToxicTour” yesterday afternoon drew representatives of several environmental groups, including Concerned Citizens of Norco and the St. James Citizens for Jobs and the Environment.To rebut issues expected to be raised, Shell spokesperson Don Baker hosted a press conference Thursday afternoon to present the industry side of the argument.

Baker said Shell/Motiva first found out about the event over the Internet.

He said he was highly disappointed the event apparently was to present such a negative view of the company’s impact on the community.

“Clearly, we’re excluded from the event,” Baker said.

The New Orleans Refining Co., which lent its name to Norco, came to theparish in 1916. Shell took over in 1929 and had a profound impact on thecommunity’s growth and lifestyle, Baker said, with many employees and retirees over generations still living in Norco.

The tour event was due to begin Friday afternoon at Washington Street near River Road, next to Shell Chemical. Speakers included Margie Richardof Washington Street, president of the 42-member Concerned Citizens group, and J. Timmons Roberts, John McCown and Carl Pope of the SierraClub.

Testimony from Concerned Citizens members were presented at the Bethune Playground at Washington and Second streets in Norco, including Juanita Johnson, Theresa Peabody, Blenny Mashia, Audrey Eugene and Patrice Shelvin.

Richard said Friday, “We’re the most important creatures ever created.”She said history is filled with groups and organizations attempting to thwart the designs of the Creator.

“These people are not really representing the interests of the majority of citizens of Norco,” Baker commented. “I’m concerned and verydisappointed.”This was echoed by the Rev. DeVairr Mollaire, who said of Richard, “She’snot a spokesperson for the community. She definitely is not aspokesperson for my congregation.”Rev. Mollaire is pastor of Greater Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church anda member of Shell’s Common Sense Initiative community panel.

Baker’s press conference also included T. Allen Kirkley, manager of therefinery, and Jim Kimes, manager of the chemical division adjoining Washington Street.

Baker added Shell didn’t cause the problems in the Diamond Subdivision, such as poverty and low educational achievement, “but we might be able to help that.””We’re part of the solution,” Kirkley said.

Rev. Mollaire pointed out, as example, the donation of computers to hischurch to assist in its tutoring program for children. “They’ve been ablessing to the community,” he said of Shell.

After its stop at the playground the tour was to depart for Pilgrim Baptist Church, Convent, there to join St. James Citizens for Jobs and theEnvironment for further activities.

A press briefing was set at The Cabin restaurant in Burnside with speakers including Brenda Bueche of PROTEST; Cindy Bailey of Citizens for a Good Environment; McCown and Pope.

A panel discussion was also set on “Challenging Polluters: Communities on the Edge.”Sierra Club national president Chuk McGrady was due to provide remarks, and the discussion was to be moderated by Mary Lee Orr of the Louisiana Environmental Action Network.

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