Red Alert

The rust-colored dust that covers everything in and around the Atalco Alumina refinery in Gramercy is clear evidence that neighbors of the facility are forced to cope with its noxious output. But what's gone virtually unnoticed by the public is the escape of toxic sludge from the huge waste pits on the refinery site – for months. Illuminator reporter Wes Muller shares findings from his latest investigative series.