A victory in the Wheeler v. Arkema Plant Fire Case in Crosby, TX occurred yesterday. Judge Ellison of the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an Order certifying a class of approximately 28,000 people (over 10,000 properties). The full 111-page order can be read here: ...
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Environmental Torts
Am I being exposed to PFOS/PFAS?
Unlike just 5 years ago, most people have now heard about the “Forever Chemicals” known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are more commonly referred to as PFAS. PFAS are widely used in numerous products from food containers to infant car seats. PFAS are known as Forever ...
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Cancer Caused by PFAS – PFOA and PFOS
Scientists continue to study the health effects of exposure to C8 chemicals. These chemicals include PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS. To date, scientific research shows exposures to these chemicals cause certain cancers and appear to be strongly associated with other cancers and adverse health ...
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The Problem with Oilfield Pits
Oilfield pits are ground excavations (earthen storage) designed for storing liquids and sludges utilized in or produced during oil and gas exploration and production operations. The first oilfield pit in Louisiana was excavated in the first oilfield in Louisiana in conjunction with the first oil ...
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Should Superfund Sites Still Shock Us?
Recently an article discussing 100 people being diagnosed with cancer from the same New Jersey high school came across my desk. It was sent to me by multiple people who were all shocked and horrified by the fact that so many members of a single community suffered from such serious conditions from a ...
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Can I Sue a Pipeline Company for Damages?
People impacted by pipeline incidents often wonder "Can I sue a pipeline company?" The short answer is yes. Pipeline owners and operators are responsible under the law for any damages they negligently cause, and in some instances, may be held strictly liable.
Pipelines Can Leak or Explode ...
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Oilfield Legacy Litigation
Historically, oil and gas companies operating in Louisiana from the early 1900s through the 1980s had very poor waste management practices. These practices in combination with little to no oversight left a “legacy” of pollution in Louisiana. The resulting litigation has been coined "legacy ...
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Can Fire Fighting Foam Cause Cancer?
Exposure to fire fighting foam can cause cancer. Many fire fighters were exposed to C8 chemicals in fire fighting foam. These chemicals include PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS. Exposures to these chemicals have been scientifically proven to cause cancer by attacking the immune system.
Lawsuits for ...
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Fossil Fuel Dependence
A common retort to the U.S.’s renewed push towards cleaner, renewable energy and away from fossil fuels is that “we will never get rid of oil, it’s in everything.” While most people associate oil with gasoline and driving, the refining of oil produces a wide variety of petroleum-based products ...
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How do I report an environmental concern?
When faced with an environmental concern, many people wonder "What can I do?" or "Who should I tell?"
While the system for reporting environmental concerns isn't perfect, there are resources for concerned citizens. Reporting environmental concerns can help the problem be addressed quicker and ...
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