Geismar | |
Settlement | |
Country | United States |
---|---|
State | Louisiana |
Parish | Ascension |
Elevation | 23 ft (7.0 m) |
Coordinates | 30°12′14″N 91°01′19″W / 30.204°N 91.022°WCoordinates: 30°12′14″N 91°01′19″W / 30.204°N 91.022°W |
Timezone | CST (UTC-6) |
- summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
Geismar is an unincorporated community in Ascension Parish, Louisiana and is at the heart of Louisiana's chemical corridor. Geismar is south of Prairieville and west of Gonzales. The community has two schools, Dutchtown Primary/ Middle School and Dutchtown High School, which are ranked among the top schools in the state of Louisiana. The Mississippi River flows to the southeast along the southwest side of the community. The area is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical systems due to its low elevation and its proximity to the coast of southeast Louisiana.
On the morning of June 13, 2013, an explosion occurred at the Williams Olefins plant in Geismar. The plant produces 1.3 billion pounds of ethylene and 90 million pounds of polymer grade propylene annually. Over 70 people were injured in the explosion, and 2 people were killed.