Birla Carbon North Bend Plant (Columbian Chemicals)

Large load · 370 COLUMBIAN CHEMICALS LN, Centerville, LA

Birla Carbon's North Bend plant at 370 Columbian Chemicals Lane in Centerville, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, operates seven carbon black units. A North Bend cogeneration facility started operations in 2007, and an Interconnection and Operating Agreement with Cleco Power LLC covers its link to Cleco's transmission system. Since FY2022 the plant has used seawater scrubbing to remove sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from emissions.

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Overview

The federal complaint describes seven carbon black units at the North Bend facility. Since FY2022 the plant has adopted seawater scrubbing to remove sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from emissions.

Profile

Cogeneration and grid: Company history records that the North Bend Cogeneration facility starts operations in 2007. In 2002 Cleco Power LLC filed an Interconnection and Operating Agreement with Columbian Chemicals Company for a new cogeneration facility at the plant site in St. Mary Parish. A 1999 EPA letter described a proposed joint venture with Cleco in which Columbian would be entitled to 13 MWe of the project's output for use at the carbon black plant. A 2004 report said the company was developing a 45 MW cogeneration plant in Centerville.

Environmental controls: A proposed consent decree amendment lodged in January 2026 revises deadlines for air pollution control equipment at the North Bend facility. A $50 million green loan refinanced part of the capital expenditure for air emissions control technology at the plant.

Facility

Activity: Carbon black; seven carbon black units
Industry: Manufacturing
Site type: Facility
Operating status: Operating
Reported Jan 30, 2026

Permits and agreements

Agreement: Interconnection and Operating Agreement between Cleco Power LLC, Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, and Columbian Chemicals Company

Related records

OrganizationRoleBasis

Birla Carbon U.S.A., Inc.OperatorLocations - Birla Carbon Aditya Birla GroupParent companyBirla Carbon Recognized as Judges’ Choice Winner at the 2025 Environment + Energy Leader Awards for Emission Control Innovation - Birla Carbon

Timeline

Apr 25, 2002: Cleco Power filed an Interconnection and Operating Agreement with Columbian Chemicals for a new cogeneration facility
Federal Register :: Florida Power & Light Company, et al.; Electric Rate and Corporate Regulation Filings
Jan 30, 2026: Proposed amendment to the North Bend consent decree lodged
Federal Register :: Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act