The investigation into PCB Lawsuits continues, and our attorneys are focused on PCB exposure in schools that used fluorescent lighting fixtures that contained these toxic chemicals.

A Seattle jury has awarded $165 million in damages to a group of former school employees who claimed that Monsanto spinoff Pharmacia LLC, formerly linked to Monsanto, sold unsafe products, specifically polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), without adequate warnings.

The plaintiffs, including teachers and staff, alleged that exposure to PCBs from light fixtures on the school campus led to various health problems, including neurological injuries, respiratory conditions, hormonal disorders, and cancer.

The jury awarded $49.8 million in compensatory damages and $115.3 million in punitive damages to the former school workers.

Some of these damages were allocated to the estate of a deceased plaintiff.

Pharmacia plans to appeal the verdict, and the outcome of previous related cases is also under appeal.

The plaintiffs’ case centered on the health risks associated with PCB exposure, while the defense contended that PCBs served important purposes in electrical equipment and that adequate warnings had been provided.

This verdict marks another legal setback for Monsanto and its spinoff Pharmacia, with substantial financial implications.

The litigation involves multiple cases related to PCB exposure on a school campus, with several cases still pending trial or under appeal.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

The investigation into PCB Lawsuits continues, and our attorneys are focused on PCB exposure in schools that used fluorescent lighting fixtures that contained these toxic chemicals.

Air testing conducted at Warren Elementary School in Vermont has revealed PCB contamination above a state action level in one location in the school’s basement.

The September testing found that none of the regularly occupied areas, such as classrooms and offices, exceeded the Vermont School Action Level for PCB levels.

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are man-made chemicals used in building materials and electrical equipment prior to 1980, posing potential health and environmental risks.

The school’s administration is working with a contractor approved by state environmental and health officials to identify the source of the PCB contamination and recommend remediation steps.

The cost and recommendations are still being determined.

PCB testing is part of a statewide program funded by the state, initiated in 2022, to assess and address PCB contamination in Vermont schools built or renovated during the period when PCB-containing materials were used.

Additionally, the state of Vermont has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto, the manufacturer of PCBs, seeking compensation for damage caused by PCBs, including the costs of testing and remediation in schools.

Another lawsuit has been filed by multiple Vermont school districts, including Harwood Union, with similar objectives.

Both legal actions aim to hold Monsanto accountable for the impact of PCBs on the environment and schools.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

The investigation into PCB Lawsuits continues, and our attorneys are focused on PCB exposure in schools that used fluorescent lighting fixtures that contained these toxic chemicals. 

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark, in the process of suing Monsanto for environmental contamination due to toxic chemicals, has asked a federal court to temporarily halt a similar lawsuit filed by multiple local school districts.

Clark filed her lawsuit in the state court, claiming Monsanto’s toxic PCBs polluted the environment and schools.

However, a federal lawsuit by attorney Pietro Lynn on behalf of 93 Vermont school districts for similar claims has prompted Clark to request a pause on the federal case.

In a 19-page amicus brief submitted to the federal court, Clark argues that the federal suit is duplicative and should be put on hold to avoid inefficient and piecemeal litigation.

She asserts that multiple lawsuits could lead to overlapping efforts, conflicting approaches, and potential strategic advantages in different court systems, ultimately causing delays and increased costs.

The legal actions were initiated amidst a statewide effort to test schools built before 1980 for PCB contamination.

If PCB levels exceed state limits, extensive and costly remediation efforts are required.

Clark’s brief highlights concerns regarding logistical issues caused by the federal suit, including delays in testing and potential extended exposure to PCBs due to legal provisions.

Furthermore, the federal suit has led to subpoenas for thousands of documents related to the state’s PCB testing program, creating administrative and logistical burdens for the state and involved parties.

Clark noted attempts to resolve conflicts with Lynn but stated ongoing disagreements between the parties.

Clark also mentioned the involvement of external law firms with varied compensation structures in the state’s lawsuit versus the federal case, potentially impacting the distribution of any financial settlements.

However, Clark clarified that the request for a stay on the federal case won’t affect the state’s ongoing PCB testing program, emphasizing that results for 73 Vermont schools have been published, with over 300 schools yet to be tested.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

The investigation into PCB Lawsuits continues, and our attorneys are focused on PCB exposure in schools that used fluorescent lighting fixtures that contained these toxic chemicals. 

Municipalities and governmental agencies have been filing PCB Lawsuits against Monsanto.

The city of Milwaukee has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, over ongoing contamination of its water systems by PCBs, toxic chemicals used in various industrial applications until their ban in 1979.

The city claims that about 99% of PCBs sold in the US were manufactured by Monsanto, which knowingly concealed the risks of these carcinogenic chemicals. 

PCBs are resistant to degradation and accumulate in the environment, posing risks to humans who consume contaminated fish or shellfish.

The lawsuit filed by the City of Milwaukee seeks to recover the costs of investigating and remediating PCB contamination, which amount to millions of dollars.

PCBs entered Milwaukee’s environment through various sources and industrial uses, including construction materials and electrical equipment.

The city and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) are the lead plaintiffs in the case and allege public and private nuisance, trespass, and products liability, among other claims.

The contamination has particularly affected the Milwaukee Estuary, including rivers in the area, leading to extensive sediment removal efforts, with costs estimated to be over $100 million for a new disposal facility.

Additionally, PCB contamination was linked to Milorganite, a fertilizer made from recycled biosolids from MMSD’s wastewater treatment plant, resulting in substantial financial losses.

Monsanto, now Bayer, denied responsibility for Milwaukee’s PCB contamination, stating that it never manufactured or disposed of PCBs in the area and ceased lawful manufacturing of PCBs over 45 years ago.

The lawsuit adds to a series of legal actions against Monsanto and its parent company over product-related claims, including Roundup weed killer.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

Our attorneys are investigating the health effects of PCB exposure in schools that used fluorescent lighting fixtures that contained these toxic chemicals.

The city of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto Co. alleging the company released PCBs into the city’s air, water, and soil.

According to the lawsuit, Monsanto and its co-defendants released these chemicals, knowing their hazardous nature, misleading the public about the associated risks.

Mayor Brandon Johnson stated that Monsanto’s actions have furthered environmental issues and disparities in Chicago’s neighborhoods, and the lawsuit showcases the city’s dedication to protecting residents and natural resources.

Monsanto, in response, has called the lawsuit “meritless,” emphasizing that they neither manufactured nor disposed of PCBs in the Chicago vicinity and ceased production over 45 years ago.

Furthermore, Monsanto suggests that the city of Chicago might be responsible for PCB releases, pointing to over 200 combined sewage outfalls discharging into the Great Lakes watershed.

PCBs, banned by the EPA in the late 1970s, were used in multiple applications like paint, electrical equipment, and sealants but persist in the environment.

Humans can encounter PCBs through various means, leading to potential health issues like changes to liver, thyroid, and reproductive systems, reduced birth weights, and even cancer links.

Chicago’s lawsuit is seeking damages for expenses related to cleaning and remediation of PCB contamination within its confines and waterways.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

The State of Pennsylvania announced a $100 million settlement with the former agrochemical company Monsanto, now a part of Bayer, for contaminating substantial portions of its streams and lakes with PCBs over five decades.

This contamination spans 1,300 miles of streams and 3,600 acres of lakes.

Rich Negrin, secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, expressed that the funds would be directed towards costs already incurred due to the contamination and for further cleanup.

Pennsylvania’s lawsuit against Monsanto stemmed from the company’s production of PCBs, chemicals which accumulate in small organisms and fish, leading to potential human exposure through fish consumption.

Executive director of the Fish and Boat Commission, Tim Schaeffer, highlighted how PCB pollution has affected the state’s aquatic resources for years.

It’s worth noting that Bayer has faced multiple lawsuits from various states concerning Monsanto’s PCBs, settling with Oregon for a substantial $698 million.

In response to the settlement, Monsanto agreed to settle all claims without admitting liability or wrongdoing.

Their statement emphasized that they stopped producing PCBs in 1977 and did not manufacture or dispose of them in Pennsylvania.

Historical documents indicate Monsanto knew about the persistent nature and potential harm of PCBs as early as 1937.

The chemicals were utilized in numerous products like paints, sealants, and electrical equipment.

Notably, they were valued and at times mandated in building codes until their US ban in 1979.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a summary of how funds were distributed to clean up PCB contamination at a Superfund Site in Georgia.

On July 29, 2016, the EPA announced a settlement with Honeywell International Inc. and Georgia Power Company to commit nearly $29 million for cleanup efforts at the 760-acre saltwater marsh, the LCP Chemicals Superfund Site in Brunswick, GA.

A significant objective of this cleanup is the potential lifting of the existing commercial fishing ban and fish consumption advisories.

Honeywell International Inc., headquartered in Morris Plains, NJ, is a global conglomerate, while Georgia Power Co. is a regional electric power company based in Atlanta, GA.

Historical background reveals that between 1919 and 1994, the LCP Chemicals Superfund Site hosted a range of industrial operations.

This led to contamination from mercury, PCBs, and other hazardous substances.

The site was subsequently added to the National Priorities List in 1996.

Cleanup initiatives began in 1994, with efforts including demolition of contaminated infrastructure, marsh dredging, and contaminated soil removal.

The latest settlement aims at intensifying cleanup in the site’s tidal marsh and creeks.

Under the agreement, the companies are mandated to dredge and place protective caps in certain tidal creeks, introduce clean sediment across 11 acres of marsh, and rehabilitate areas affected by construction.

This will notably decrease the concentration of harmful contaminants in the marsh’s sediments and protect its wildlife.

To ensure the lasting success of these efforts, Honeywell and Georgia Power will continue to monitor the cleanup’s long-term impact on health and the environment.

A new lawsuit was filed on August 24th in Berkshire County (MA) Superior Court, alleging that General Electric Company (GE), together with Monsanto Company, knowingly and intentionally caused cancer through exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The claim comes from the husband of a longtime teacher at Allendale Elementary School, who died in February 2022 after battling multiple cancers.

It’s alleged that her illnesses resulted from exposure to hazardous waste, including PCBs, originating from nearby GE plant locations.

The current lawsuit is the sixth of its kind in the county, with previous claims coming from Allendale-area mothers, a business owner, and other individuals associating their cancer diagnoses with PCB exposure from the same locations.

In response, Monsanto issued a statement denying responsibility, emphasizing that they neither manufactured nor disposed of PCBs near the Allendale Elementary School or in the broader Pittsfield region.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to test fish for toxic contaminants in two Maryland rivers, the Gunpowder and its two creeks, following a lawsuit filed by the Gunpowder Riverkeeper in 2020.

Despite the Maryland Department of the Environment identifying the Gunpowder and Bird rivers as having PCB contamination in fish tissue in 2006 and 2008, they attributed the source to the Susquehanna River, suggesting the issue was beyond local control.

The EPA approved this stance in 2016.

The current lawsuit by Gunpowder Riverkeeper Theaux LeGardeur challenges the EPA’s approval, suggesting local sources of PCBs, including the old C.P. Crane power plant and Aberdeen Proving Ground, were overlooked.

Though the proposed settlement doesn’t force a reconsideration of the state’s cleanup plans, it intends to enhance public understanding of fish contamination risks in the affected regions.

Past reports have highlighted high PCB levels in areas connected to the Gunpowder.

With the new settlement, the EPA is committed to publicly sharing findings on PCB contamination in the designated regions.

They also aim to hold a public meeting by 2026 regarding the cleanup plans if neither state nor local authorities take the initiative.

A federal judge has ruled that biotech giant Monsanto cannot avoid a public nuisance claim related to PCB contamination in Seattle’s Duwamish River.

Seattle filed a lawsuit in 2016, alleging that Monsanto concealed the dangers of PCBs for decades.

The chemicals entered the Duwamish River through stormwater and wastewater, making them the most common contaminant in the area, and leading to the area being designated as an EPA Superfund site.

Seattle claims that cleaning up the river will require a costly wastewater treatment plant.

However, Judge Jones agreed that this settlement did not release Monsanto from Seattle’s public nuisance claims.

He noted ambiguities in the settlement agreement regarding the release of state agencies, which led Seattle to argue that it was not intended to be included in the agreement.

Monsanto maintains that it is not liable for the damages claimed by Seattle, arguing that federal statutes authorized the sale and lawful manufacture of PCBs and that Washington law exempts them from being deemed a nuisance.

They also attribute the pollution of the Duwamish River to Seattle’s own historical industrial practices.

The ruling on summary judgment is still pending for several other claims, including future damages.

More than 90 Vermont school districts have filed a lawsuit against chemical giant Monsanto over toxic contamination in educational buildings caused by PCBs.

Vermont became the first state in the U.S. to require older schools to test indoor air for PCBs.

The districts seek to recover costs and damages as they must reduce PCB exposure, which is expensive and may require demolishing and replacing buildings, potentially costing “hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars.”

Monsanto denies responsibility, stating they did not manufacture PCBs in Vermont and have not done so for over 45 years.

The company is seeking an emergency hearing, the preservation of evidence, and participation in environmental testing and remediation work.

In Vermont, PCB contamination has led to the relocation of an entire high school to a closed department store. 

The Vermont attorney general has also sued Monsanto over PCB contamination in schools and natural resources, including lakes and rivers.

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto, aiming to safeguard Vermont’s natural resources and schools affected by PCB contamination.

This lawsuit alleges that Monsanto knowingly produced highly toxic PCB formulations that have caused significant harm.

Clark accuses Monsanto of misleading the public and seeks to hold the company accountable for the cleanup costs, rather than burdening Vermont taxpayers.

PCBs, toxic chemical compounds, were manufactured and distributed by Monsanto in the U.S. from 1929 to 1977, with Monsanto being the major producer.

Although PCBs were banned in the late 1970s, they persist in Vermont’s environment, particularly in Lake Champlain.

In response, Vermont passed Act 74, requiring schools built or renovated before 1980 to test for PCBs.

The lawsuit aims to secure resources for a comprehensive cleanup and prevention effort, protecting both current and future generations and compensating for damages to Vermont’s natural resources.

Monsanto Co. is still facing most of the claims that it polluted Illinois waterways with PCBs, despite a federal judge reducing the lawsuit.

Illinois sued Monsanto, along with Solutia Inc. and Pharmacia LLC, accusing them of causing contamination of the state’s natural resources through the sale and distribution of PCBs.

The judge rejected Monsanto’s argument that Illinois law doesn’t recognize public nuisance liability, stating that Monsanto knew its products would inevitably pollute state waters.

The company also can’t escape strict liability or negligence claims.

The judge dismissed Illinois’ claims for a medical monitoring fund, stating no present physical injury had resulted from Monsanto’s actions.

Monsanto has faced similar lawsuits in other states.

Elevated levels of airborne PCBs were found at Twin Valley Elementary School in Vermont, leading to the installation of carbon air filtration units.

A second round of testing revealed even higher PCB levels in every room, suggesting a potential source in the school’s HVAC system.

Vermont initiated statewide PCB testing in schools due to health risks posed by these chemicals.

Twin Valley spent over $18,000 on air filters, and some lawmakers are pushing to pause the testing program due to its costs and disruption to learning.

However, health experts support continuing the testing to address PCB contamination.

Twin Valley plans to use affected rooms cautiously for the remainder of the school year.

Multiple cities and villages in Lake County, Illinois, have filed a lawsuit against Monsanto and other chemical companies, including Solutia Inc. and Pharmacia LLC, over the contamination of Lake Michigan with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court by Seeger Weiss LLP, represents nine municipalities, namely Evanston, Lake Forest, North Chicago, Zion, Beach Park, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Winnetka, and Winthrop Harbor.

These communities allege that Monsanto intentionally misled the public for decades about the environmental and health hazards of PCBs, resulting in widespread contamination.

Due to PCB pollution in Lake Michigan, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency now requires affected communities to reduce PCB discharges into the lake by an estimated 99.6%.

The lawsuit aims to shift the costs of eliminating PCB contamination from these communities to the defendants, though the exact costs remain unclear.

PCBs are highly toxic and harmful to both humans and animals, with children and adolescents being particularly vulnerable.

The complaint filed in court alleges that Monsanto was aware of the toxicity of its PCB formulations but deliberately misled the public about their safety.

Bayer AG, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has stated that they believe the case is “meritless” since Monsanto ceased PCB manufacturing over 45 years ago.

They argue that, under applicable law, they are not responsible for downstream risks associated with a product introduced into commerce many years ago.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of PCBs in 1979, but contamination from them remains a significant issue, according to the plaintiffs’ law firm.

The town of Lee, Massachusetts, is suing Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, over the contamination of the Housatonic River with PCBs.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, alleges that Monsanto knew about the toxicity of PCBs since the 1950s but continued to profit by selling them to companies like General Electric.

GE used PCBs at a Pittsfield plant until the 1970s, contaminating the river.

Lee is opposing the EPA’s plan to build a disposal site in the town for sediment with lower levels of PCBs, which could result in ongoing exposure.

The lawsuit seeks damages and funding to relocate PCB waste to an out-of-state facility.

Bayer argues that there is no legal basis to hold Monsanto liable for selling PCBs legally decades ago.

In a prolonged legal battle, the city of Seattle is in a heated dispute with Monsanto over PCB contamination in the Duwamish River in Washington.

Seattle sued Monsanto in 2016, holding them responsible for PCB contamination, alleging the company knew about the toxicity but continued production until PCBs were banned in 1979.

Seattle claims that this contamination has led to substantial cleanup expenses, and the lawsuit mirrors similar costly settlements Monsanto has had with Washington state and Spokane.

Seattle argues its claims were not waived during the state settlement, while Monsanto contends that the state’s agreement extinguished Seattle’s claims.

The recent hearing saw legal arguments where Monsanto claimed the prior settlement resolved Seattle’s claims, citing the legal principle of “res judicata,” which prohibits multiple lawsuits over the same claims.

Seattle’s attorney disputed this, emphasizing that the state did not waive the city’s claims, indicating that significant work remains for the Lower Duwamish River’s cleanup.

The judge expressed surprise at the lack of legal precedent in such a situation where both city and state concurrently litigated similar issues.

The magistrate judge aims to provide recommendations within ten days, but the situation’s complexity was humorously likened to “clear as mud.”

The decision now lies with U.S. District Judge Richard Jones, who will determine the trial schedule. Monsanto declined to comment on the ongoing issue.

Professor David Carpenter of the University at Albany, a frequent expert witness against Monsanto in lawsuits involving PCBs, faced university investigation and subsequent restrictions after a Monsanto lawyer requested records regarding his research activities and funding.

Monsanto stated that its request aimed to ensure transparency about potential conflicts related to Dr. Carpenter’s research, yet the University’s actions played into Monsanto’s legal strategy, providing more leverage in ongoing court cases.

The legal battle, centered in a St. Louis court, involves the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe suing Monsanto over alleged harm caused by PCBs.

Monsanto disputes the claims, arguing they haven’t caused the reported harm.

Carpenter, a tenured professor, explained that Monsanto’s records request triggered the investigation and altered his university duties, resulting in an alternative assignment.

The university refused to comment on specific reasons for its investigation but stated it had a general obligation to comply with laws and regulations.

While university authorities suggested Carpenter remained employed and could still perform his academic duties, documents shared by Carpenter revealed restrictions placed on his outside consulting activities and university resources.

The professor viewed these limitations as an infringement on his academic freedom.

The offer for his resignation, which included a waiver of his right to sue over age discrimination, was deemed unacceptable by Carpenter, leading to a standoff between him and the university.

The University’s Faculty Senate chair, Sydney Faught, confirmed being unaware of Carpenter’s situation until it was reported in the media.

A letter of support and a petition were organized in solidarity with Carpenter, emphasizing the academic freedom and rights of the professor.

The conflict has escalated, with Carpenter refusing the resignation offer and the university maintaining its position, creating a divide between the professor, the university, and supporters advocating for his rights.

A group of activists in Hartford, led by Black Lives Matter 860, is raising concerns about a potential link between toxic school construction materials, specifically Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and an apparent increase in cancer diagnoses among former students, faculty, and staff of certain Hartford schools.

They’re urging individuals associated with these schools to undergo medical screenings due to potential PCB exposure.

The activists highlight a lawsuit filed by the city of Hartford against Monsanto in 2015 regarding PCB removal from Clark Elementary School, the only known manufacturer of these substances.

They express worry about the impact on health, particularly in individuals associated with elementary schools that may have had PCBs in their construction materials.

Concerns arose despite state health authorities claiming exposure levels were below the threshold for health problems.

Recent cancer diagnoses among individuals associated with these schools have heightened these concerns, prompting calls for medical screenings, financial support for health expenses, and a health survey for those possibly exposed.

The Hartford Public Schools have responded, emphasizing their compliance with state and federal guidelines, especially in schools built or fully renovated after 1979 (when PCBs were outlawed).

The district claims proactive measures were taken, such as relocating students and staff during testing at Clark Elementary, offering resources, information, and community meetings to address concerns.

The activists, however, are advocating for medical screenings and financial support from the city and school district for those who may have been exposed to PCBs, stressing the importance of addressing potential health risks associated with past school construction materials.

Monsanto is responding to a lawsuit filed by the City of East St. Louis, claiming the penalties sought for pollution violations are unconstitutional.

The company has filed a counterclaim against the city, alleging violations of due process, equal protection, and excessive fines.

The city’s lawsuit seeks significant penalties up to $2.7 billion for Monsanto’s production of PCBs.

Monsanto argues that the city’s legal action arose from an unconventional interpretation of ordinances related to PCB detection on city-owned properties, depriving the company of its constitutional rights.

The counterclaim asserts that the city’s use of ordinances in this manner lacks clarity and fairness, violating due process.

Monsanto’s counsel argues that the fines sought by the city are disproportionate and exceed the alleged offense’s severity, highlighting that the penalties would be financially burdensome for the city’s residents.

The legal dispute between Monsanto and East St. Louis revolves around the interpretation and application of ordinances related to PCBs, and it raises concerns about the potential financial impact of the fines on the city’s population.

Snohomish County’s insurer agreed to pay $415,000 in a settlement for alleged land contamination near Lake Goodwin.

Luxury home builder Robinett Brothers purchased land near an old landfill owned by the county.

Robinett filed a lawsuit against Snohomish County in 2021, claiming the landfill’s waste, which may have included toxic substances like PCBs, pesticides, and PAHs, contaminated their newly acquired property.

The Department of Ecology suspected soil and groundwater contamination at the landfill site, with confirmed levels of pollutants exceeding state cleanup standards.

The lawsuit alleged nitrate, sodium, and arsenic contamination, claiming the polluted groundwater flowed onto Robinett’s land.

The settlement agreement, facilitated by the county’s insurer, didn’t admit liability.

The payment wasn’t from taxpayer funds.

As part of the deal, Robinett returned the property to the county as a buffer to the former landfill, restricting future development.

The county sees the land acquisition as a positive step, offering a protective buffer zone. Robinett’s attorney declined to comment on the matter.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a pollution suit against Monsanto and Solutia, alleging the release of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into Illinois waterways, causing environmental harm.

The suit sought damages in Cook County Circuit Court, but U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman rejected Raoul’s attempt to transfer the case back to state court.

The federal judge determined federal jurisdiction applied because Monsanto’s actions were under U.S. government direction during World War II and the Vietnam War.

Monsanto operated a plant in Sauget, St. Louis, that allegedly released chemicals into the environment.

Gettleman accepted the companies’ argument for a “government contractor defense,” stating that their actions were at the government’s request, providing immunity from state tort laws.

Raoul argued that the pollution wasn’t compliant with federal directives, disqualifying the contractor defense, but the judge clarified the jurisdictional issue.

The case’s venue shift from state to federal court was based on the nature of federal involvement in the defendants’ activities.

The judge’s decision prevented the case from returning to Cook County courts, known for plaintiff-friendly laws and evidence rules.

Fort McClellan, an Army base closed in 1999, potentially exposed service members to hazardous materials.

Exposures at the base might have included radioactive compounds, chemical warfare agents used in decontamination activities, and airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a nearby Monsanto plant.

Investigations into PCB exposure in the neighboring Anniston community have been ongoing since the 1990s.

The VA collaborates with federal agencies to assess public health risks at Fort McClellan and plans to conduct an epidemiological study on Veterans who served there from 1935 to 1999.

However, the VA currently does not presume any health conditions are linked to service at Fort McClellan.

Veterans concerned about health issues related to their service at the base should seek medical care but should note that there is no specific VA environmental health registry associated with Fort McClellan service.

Veterans can file disability compensation claims, but determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.