"How America’s Biggest Swamp Could Become Fracking Wasteland"

"Environmental groups, locals worry Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin might be destroyed by a proposed industrial facility."

"BELLE RIVER, Louisiana — In the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun country, Julie and Lee Hines considered themselves lucky when they purchased a riverfront property. “I have the bayou in my blood,” said Julie Hines, a lifelong resident of the area.

The Hines family values the outdoors, like most of the residents living in the 107 households in the tiny town of Belle River. Many in the region are fishermen, making their living on the water, of which there is plenty.

But the Hines’ dream-come-true faded quickly after they felt the impact of nearby industrial facilities’ fugitive emissions and increased truck use. They don't believe the rules to protect them are inforced rigorously enough, and found there is little they can do when the rules are broken."

Julie Dermansky reports for Aljazeera American May 7, 2015.