Opponents file suit against state over permit granted to Bayou Bridge Pipeline

Opponents of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline have sued the state for granting a permit needed to allow construction.

Other necessary permits are still outstanding.

The pipeline would carry crude oil between Lake Charles and St. James Parish.

Plaintiffs claim the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources violated the state constitution when it issued a Coastal use permit because officials neglected the negative impact of the pipeline.

"The most urgent problem is how the pipeline will block evacuation from the Burton Lane Community in St. James. Residents complain that they are trapped without an escape route in the event of an emergency, spill or release," a coalition of environmental groups wrote in a news release.

Read more: http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/environment/article_037cad60-585e-11e7-a168-9f39eda1cb56.html