RJ Molinere, 48, says he wants the oil industry to stay in Grand Bois, La., but he wants the companies to expose of the waste properly. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Molinere says something is killing the lotus plants, top, in the marsh near Grand Bois. The community has been fighting against the company U.S. Liquids since it opened a dump for oil production waste nearby. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Lance Billiot, 8, suffers from asthma, which might be caused by a toxic waste dump less than a mile from his home in Grand Bois. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Many of the children in Grand Bois have asthma. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Clarice Friloux, 44, has been helping the community in their struggle against U.S. Liquids. The company reapplied for a permit that would allow it to discharge treated wastewater into the St. Louis Canal. Friloux is worried the permit will allow another avenue for contamination in their community. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
U.S. Liquids runs a site for dumping oil production waste in pits not far from Grand Bois. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
The marshes of Southern Louisiana are cut up with canals and pipelines, which have led to the deterioration of marsh. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
The canals of Grand Bois are filled with oil industry equipment. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
