WWLTV.com

Another lawsuit has been filed in an attempt to close down a controversial landfill in New Orleans East, but this time the focus is not directly on the environmental problems, but on Mayor Nagin’s authority to open the landfill.

WWL-TV

Samples were taken on May 24 and May 27 for air and water contaminants, respectively. Additonal air samples were taken June 5.

Attorneys who filed the lawsuit on behalf of some New Orleans East residents said Nagin is stepping over the city council by using emergency powers to keep the landfill open.

The lawsuit seeks to have the emergency order suspended.

“The city charter is very specific,” said attorney Kyle Schonekas. “It says you can declare a state of emergency, but it still has to come before city council and that has never been done.”

Sister Jane Remson, a nun with the Order of the Carmelites and who is part of the suit, claims the mayor is usurping the authority of other elected officials.

“If he can do it in one area (N.O. East),” said Remson. “Why not put a landfill in Lakeview, West End or City Park?”

The suit contends that there are already legal landfills where the storm debris can be dumped instead of the N.O. East landfill.