Judge Approves Class Action Deal Against Kentucky Chemical Firm

A federal judge has approved a class-action settlement between a chemical company and the residents of a southwestern Louisville, Kentucky neighborhood.

Under the settlement approved by U.S. District Court Judge John Heyburn, Hexion Specialty Chemicals will spend about $4 million to upgrade its operations near the Rubbertown neighborhood and pay out about $2,500 to local residents.

About 80 residents sued Hexion, along with E.On, the parent company of Louisville Gas and Electric, last year, alleging that pollution from the plants affected their health and lowered their property values. The plant makes adhesives, resins and formaldehyde.

Hexion, formerly known as Borden Chemical, will update its wastewater treatment system and build a berm along its property line as part of the agreement.

“Money-wise, we didn’t get a whole lot,” said Terri Humphrey, whose home borders the chemical plant’s property.

But Humphrey added the goal of the lawsuit wasn’t to get money, but to improve the living environment around the plant.

Four other lawsuits against companies in the area are still in the court system.

___

Information from: The Courier-Journal,
http://www.courier-journal.com