U.S. Water News Online
MESA, Ariz. -- Households involved in a class-action lawsuit over contaminated drinking water can expect to receive an average of about $350 each in a few months, according to lawyers involved in the case.
The $26 million settlement stems from a 1992 case filed by residents of south Scottsdale, east Phoenix and others who were subjected to contaminated water.
Tony Lucia, a lawyer handling the case, said a settlement was agreed to in January and the money was awarded in February.
Checks should be mailed later this summer or the fall, he said.
The lawsuit claimed that residents were exposed to the industrial solvent trichloroethylene, which is used by semiconductor plants. The chemical seeped into two aquifers in Phoenix and one in Scottsdale.
The lawsuit contended that semiconductor companies had improperly disposed of the chemical for more than 20 years, beginning in 1957.
The lawsuit charged that the chemical had seeped into and contaminated groundwater.
Wells pumping the contaminated water were closed in 1981.
Companies paid about $70 million, which was used by officials to clean up the solvent.
Lucia said a court-approved distribution firm is now trying to locate past residents who have since moved away from the area but are entitled to payment.
There are more than 20,000 Scottsdale properties involved in the lawsuit.
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On the Net:
Baker vs. Motorola Class Action Settlement:
www.phoenixtce.com
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