Fly Ash Class Action Settlement Announced
BALTIMORE, Oct 31, 2008 -- BUSINESS WIRE
Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG), The Murphy Firm and the Law Offices of
Peter Angelos today announced that the parties have reached a settlement
agreement regarding a class action lawsuit filed by residents in Gambrills,
Md. who alleged they were damaged by the use of coal ash to reclaim a sand
and gravel quarry in Anne Arundel County. The settlement is subject to
approval by the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
The settlement provides for:
-- The connection of 84 households, previously supplied by private wells, to
public water;
-- The establishment of two trust funds to compensate affected property
owners and provide site enhancements in the neighborhood;
-- The remediation and restoration of the former quarry site; and
-- The commitment to cease future deliveries of new coal ash to the quarry.
The costs and benefits of these expenditures and improvements currently are
estimated to be $45 million.
"The settlement in this case marks a milestone in Maryland environmental and
legal history. When we filed this case we challenged Constellation Energy to
step up to the plate. With this settlement they have done just that -
enhancing and preserving the quality of life of this entire community," said
Hassan Murphy, managing partner of The Murphy Firm. "This settlement comes
at the end of a legal process characterized by long, hard fought, but good
faith negotiations. The settlement serves the plaintiffs' personal and
economic rights and provides for their future safety as well as long term
restitution. The Murphy Firm along with The Angelos Firm is honored to have
played a decisive role in bringing about a speedy, equitable solution to a
significant problem which presaged potential long term, dangers to both the
environment and human well-being. We appreciate Constellation and its legal
team for their commitment to working out a solution which best serves all
parties - sooner than later."
"We are pleased to have reached a settlement which we believe is beneficial
for the residents and the community," said John Long, president of
Constellation Power Generation, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy. "We
view this as a constructive solution that resolves all outstanding issues
and affirms Constellation Energy's commitment to the environment and the
communities in which we operate."
From 1995 to 2006, Constellation Energy placed coal ash at the Waugh Chapel
and Turner gravel quarries under an agreement with site operator BBSS Inc.
The placement of coal ash at the site was permitted by the Maryland
Department of the Environment in order to reclaim excavated portions of the
site for future development. The coal ash, which is the residue that remains
after coal is burned from coal-fired plants, originated from Constellation
Energy's H.A. Wagner and Brandon Shores power plants in Anne Arundel County.
More information about coal ash is available at
www.communityashupdate.com
SOURCE: Constellation Energy
News Provided By
|