2 years after ‘red mud’ escaped alumina refinery, LDEQ hasn’t penalized company

More than two years after environmental regulators first documented industrial 'red mud' waste from the Atalco Gramercy alumina refinery escaping into public waterways, the state has yet to fine or penalize the company.

By: Wesley Muller

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: August 5, 2026

Words: 995

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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This article is part of our continuing coverage on the environmental costs of America’s last remaining alumina refinery.

More than two years after environmental regulators first documented industrial “red mud” waste from the Atalco Gramercy alumina refinery escaping into public waterways, the state has yet to fine or penalize the company.

Instead, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality remains engaged in confidential settlement negotiations with the company while a federal …

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