Fw: Chemical Company to Pay $40 Million to Alabama Residents

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FYI,

Martha Murdock

----- Original Message ----- From: ParfumGigi@...

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Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 12:44 AM

Subject: Chemical Company to Pay $40 Million to Alabama Residents

Recipient list suppressed, you may forward this to your contact list, if you think they would be interested in reading this article. Peace, truth, and research now, gigi/ S. Lawrence These toxically poisoned individuals, were represented by one of our breast implant attorneys, and he won against this huge corp. yea! Ralph Knowles PCB Suit Settled Chemical Company to Pay $40 Million to Alabama Residents The Associated Press A N N I S T O N, Ala., April 24 — A company accused of poisoning the community with toxic chemicals for decades and then covering it up has agreed to pay $40 million to settle a lawsuit brought by nearly 1,600 residents. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Legal Closure Afters Years of Debate? The chemical contamination allegedly was spread by the Monsanto Co., which manufactured PCBs in Anniston until 1972. Monsanto changed its name to Solutia Inc. in 1997. The average payment to plaintiffs will be about $12,000, Ralph Knowles, an attorney for the Anniston residents, said today. Each plaintiff, including about 500 minors, will receive at least $5,000, he said.As part of the settlement, the company also agreed to pay $2.5 million to move plaintiffs who live close to the chemical plant; $3.5 million to a charitable foundation to assist residents exposed to PCBs and $1 million for part of the court costs.The company said it did not admit guilt."It demonstrates that we're committed to the community and it permits us to focus our attention on ... concerns closer to home," said company lawyer Tom Bistline.A judge must approve the settlement. A hearing was set for Wednesday. Legal Closure After Years of Debate?Lawyers for the plaintiffs claimed that company documents showed Monsanto knew the chemical was hazardous by the 1960s but continued to manufacture it without proper safeguards.The company didn't deny the chemical escaped from the plant to the water supply. But it said there was no proof any residents were harmed.PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were manufactured in Anniston from 1927 through 1972 for use as insulation in electrical equipment. The government banned production in the late '70s amid questions about possible health risks.PCB-laden wastewater and storm water from the plant emptied into a drainage ditch and creek in a poor section of Anniston. From there, the water ran to Choccolocco Creek and Lake Logan .The company previously agreed to pay $43.7 million to property owners along creek and lake, where PCBs were found. Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.