Lawsuit Alleges Toxic Waste Contamination
An Ascension Parish couple whose home was built next to a former landfill in Louisiana filed a lawsuit alleging that toxic chemicals from the landfill had seeped onto their property, causing them chronic health conditions. The Lawsuit Alleges Toxic Waste exposure after the couple discovered in March 2013 that their property contained contaminants, including toluene tar, present in both the soil and the groundwater.
Landfill History and Chemical Disposal
During the 1950s, the site next to the home of Larry and Carolyn Sanchez was used as a highway borrow pit, and from 1957 to 1969 was operated as a residential landfill. In the mid-1960s, the private landfill owner allowed Uniroyal Chemical Company to burn toluene tar, which is a byproduct of synthetic rubber production. Records show that as much as 1,300 tons of toluene tar was shipped to the landfill between 1964 and 1965.
In 2005, Chemtura Corp. and Chemtura USA took responsibility for the site after a merger involving Uniroyal and Great Lakes Chemical Corporation.
Development of Confederate Acres Subdivision
In the mid-1970s or early 1980s, the landfill became the Confederate Acres subdivision, which now includes homes, a car wash and a day care center. In the mid-2000s, Crompton, the parent company of Chemtura, purchased homes and businesses directly on the site to resolve contamination-related lawsuits.
According to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, contamination remains contained within the landfill site. Soil and groundwater testing showed that contaminant levels decreased significantly before reaching the Sanchez property. Chemtura also claims testing performed in 2012 or 2013 detected no contamination on the Sanchez property.
Health Risks Linked to Toluene
Toluene is known to affect the central nervous system and may cause tiredness, confusion, and weakness. It is classified as a known carcinogen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ms. Sanchez claims that well water at her home has a foul odor, and the lawsuit states she suffers from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and a central nervous system disorder.
Mr. Sanchez alleges kidney cysts, a bleeding ulcer, colon cell damage, leg rashes, and chronic fatigue.
Legal Options for Contamination Victims
When contamination caused by an individual or corporation is suspected as the cause or contributing factor to illness, injury, or risk of death, a liability claim may be necessary. Contact Dallas–Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding an illness where injuries may have been caused or worsened by exposure to hazardous waste or chemical contamination.