Myrtle Grove Vinyl Chloride Contamination Cases
August 12th, 2010
This litigation arises from the contamination of the Plaquemine Aquifer, the source of drinking water for the City of Plaquemine and rural residents. The contaminant is vinyl chloride and the contamination is alleged to have been occurring over an approximate forty year period of time. The Dow facility at Plaquemine, Louisiana is the second largest Dow facility in the United States and encompasses about 3,000 acres. The claims being asserted by the plaintiffs include fear of contracting cancer from breathing air containing volatilized vinyl chloride and using well water contaminated with vinyl chloride for cooking, drinking, washing, bathing, etc. Additionally, the vinyl chloride plume covers an estimated area of one mile by about 3 miles within the aquifer. To the extent that vinyl chloride is situated beneath private landowners properties, a claim for trespass is being made for storage of Dow’s chemical products – in other words, the claim is for trespass and use of property of others for storage of Dow generated chemicals – Trial is scheduled for August 2009. Patrick W. Pendley serves as Liaison Counsel for the Plaintiffs Steering Committee.
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