On August 31, 2021 the U.S Department of Justice finalized a Consent Decree valued at $19.69 million to restore natural resources injured by an oil spill at CITGO’s Lake Charles Refinery on the Calcasieu River and estuary. 

In 2006 an oil spill occurred when two wastewater storage tanks at the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery overflowed and spilled millions of gallons of oil and oily water into the Indian Marais waterway. Contaminated water flowed into the Calcasieu River and estuary, which impacted an estimated 150 miles of shoreline habitats. NOAA coordinated with its co-Trustees to assess injuries to natural resources and determine suitable restoration actions.

This $19.69 million settlement will fund projects that restore fish, wildlife, marsh, and outdoor recreation opportunities that were impacted by the oil spill. These projects will be selected with public input to ensure restoration efforts best benefit local ecosystems and communities along the Calcasieu River.