Gonzales residents next door to a bauxite tailings bond are concerned over the red dust

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Red dust flying in Gonzales, residents not happy about lack of maintenance



GONZALES - The sky was painted red Wednesday when red dust was kicked up by the strong wind. Homeowners in Pelican Crossing have been contacting 2 On Your Side about it since they're not happy with the company that's supposed to keep it under control.

This isn't the first time 2 On Your Side has reported on the red dust problem. The dust flies when there are dry conditions and the wind blows. It happened last week during bad weather and again this week. People living in Pelican Crossing in Gonzales say they're concerned about what's landing on their property and what they're breathing in.

It's everywhere - on people's patios, on their lawn furniture, sticks to cars, in the grass, and everywhere in between.

Shelita Bailey has been busy cleaning. The dust has settled at the bottom of her pool, and it's covered her outdoor space. Bailey has seen the dust before but says it's never been this bad.

"Anytime the wind conditions are right, it'll start to blow again," Bailey said.

The dust is coming from a large site next door to Pelican Crossing. Mounds of red dirt can be seen over a levee. A satellite image shows just how large it is. The area is made up of bauxite mud ponds, which are waste generated during the processing of aluminum at the now-closed LAlumina Burnside Refinery.

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