DUPONT SETTLES OVER CONTAMINATION ACCUSATIONS - EPA Case Still Pending

(09/09/2004)

DuPont has reached a tentative settlement worth nearly $343 million dollars in a class-action case involving the chemical known as C-8. About $100 million would be a cash settlement to help operate water systems, the rest would be set aside if further problems are found and other designated "solutions." About 60,000 residents in Wood County and parts of southeastern Ohio sued DuPont in 2001, claiming the company contaminated their drinking water. The suit says a chemical agent known as C-8 used in the manufacture of Teflon has been pumped into the ground, contaminating the water supply with an excessive amount of the chemical. The company has denied any wrong doing. The bulk of the settlement money would be to pay for medical monitoring if an expert panel finds a link between C-8 exposure and any human disease. Under the proposed settlement, DuPont would pay for the panel's study related to creating health problems. The Wilmington, Delaware-based company will also build water treatment facilities and fund health and education projects. The agreement must still be approved by a Wood County judge. Harry Deitzler, one of the lawyers for the residents, says he believes the settlement is in the best interests of the class. He says if the case had gone to trial, it could have dragged on for another couple of years. DuPont is still facing major fines from the EPA for allegedly not reporting problems related to the health of some of their workers, including birth defects.

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