A controversial grain export terminal planned for a rural stretch of St. John the Baptist Parish has moved closer to reality with a vote to approve a zoning change.

The vote by the parish council on Tuesday night comes after a long legal and political battle between local activists seeking to keep the grain elevator out of the community of Wallace and the global company behind the plan, Greenfield, as well as parish officials.

The controversy is also linked to longstanding environmental justice concerns in the surrounding industrialized area of the state known as Cancer Alley.

The Descendants Project, a group of local activists, warns that the large development will badly harm neighboring historic areas, including those dedicated to commemorating the legacy of slaves who worked the River Parish’s plantations. They are also concerned over pollution from the industrial site.

The company says it will operate safely and provide 100 jobs once built. It has also been providing charitable contributions in the area in an effort to show it is committed to the community. NOLA.com