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Rogerslacy Refinery

The Rogerslacy Oil Refinery in Sandersville Mississippi is owned and operated by the Hunt Southland Refining Company, which was founded in 2003. The plant is located next to expansive fields of oil that are mined 365 days a year. This crude oil is used for a variety of products including both roofing and paving asphalt, diesel based fuel and other related goods. The finished products are shipped out of the plant primarily via train and large trucks.

In 2007, the Rogerslacy Plant was brought up on charges by the US Environmental Protection Agency for violating the Clean Air Act for illegally burning gases within the refinery. These gases have then entered the atmosphere and cause massive amounts of pollution. The charges were brought forth to the plant in Sandersville, as well as two other refineries owned by Hunt Refining Co. and Hunt Southland Refining Co. In response to the charges, the company agreed to pay more than $48 million to create a better system for dealing with pollutants produced by the trio of facilities. In particular, the plants are responsible for lessening their nitrogen oxide emissions by 150 tons, and their sulfur dioxide emissions by 1,100 tons on an annual basis.

Hurricane Katrina also caused serious problems for the Rogerslacy Refinery. Following the flood, much of Mississippi was damaged and left submerged. The plant felt the effects of this storm and was forced to shut down for an extended period of time while clean up and repairs were being made. This was a very costly and time consuming process for all involved.

A third affliction that the plant in Sandersville faced came in the form of a natural material called asbestos, which was a key ingredient for many of the products used within the facility. At one time, asbestos was a primary ingredient in many items that were found in refineries, largely owing to its strong resistance to heat. After it had been used for many years, asbestos was discovered to be a highly toxic material that can lead to damage of the respiratory system and a sometimes deadlyform of cancer called mesothelioma. There have been many class act lawsuits launched to benefit workers who were exposed to this toxic material, and therefore put at risk on developing these diseases. Anyone who worked at the Rogerslacy plant, or any other refinery that may have had asbestos on the premises, should talk their doctor immediately and receive a check up at their earliest possible convenience.

Last modified: December 09 2009.