Cabot named in environmental lawsuit
ERJ staff report (RD)
Boston, Massachusetts -- Carbon black and silica producer Cabot Corp. has been named in an environmental lawsuit filed by residents of Gainesville, Florida, relating to the cleanup of a contaminated site.
The lawsuit, which also names Koppers Inc. and Beazer East Inc., seeks remediation for cleaner properties and medical testing relating to the Cabot/Koppers Superfund site in Gainsville, Alachua County, Florida. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says on its profile of the site: “Poor waste handling practices in the past have resulted in contaminated ground water, soil and possibly off-site surface water. Contaminants include arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and creosote compounds.â€
In the past, Cabot operated a business in Gainesville, Florida, but ceased operations in 1966. The Cabot/Koppers Superfund site was previously home to wood-treating and charcoal-production plants.
“Since 1985, Cabot has worked cooperatively with the federal, state and local regulatory authorities to satisfy Cabot's environmental responsibilities. That work included installation and operation of a multi-million dollar groundwater remediation system that was approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency,†a recent Cabot statement said.
A press report citing Stuart Calwell, one of the attorney's representing the complainants, estimates the clean-up to cost around $250 million to $1 billion. The suit also wants to set-up a fund of approximately $250 million for medical testing of the people who live or have lived in the area, a separate press report said.
In it's statement, Cabot said: “Cabot is fully committed to being a responsible neighbor in the communities where it operates. As to the specifics of the litigation filed earlier this week, Cabot will respond in due course and will defend itself vigorously.â€
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Press release from Cabot Corp.
Profile of Cabot/Koppers Superfund site from EPA
News report from Ocala.com
News report from AM850
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