W.Va. Chemical Spill: Motley Rice investigating groundwater contamination situation
Motley Rice environmental contamination lawyers are investigating the recent West Virginia chemical spill. If your business has had an economic loss as a result of the chemical spill, contact Vicki Antion Nelson in our West Virginia office to discuss your economic damage rights.
On Jan. 9, 2014, a chemical spill was discovered in the Elk River in Charleston, W.Va., originating from a storage facility owned by Freedom Industries. The chemical, 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol (MCHM), used to clean coal, was found to be spilling into the river. As a result of the chemical spill, state and local governments declared a State of Emergency and a ban on drinking or using the tap water in the nine impacted counties surrounding Charleston, W.Va. This ban impacted 300,000 West Virginians, including businesses, schools and homes. The water ban was lifted on Jan. 13, 2014.
MCHM smells like licorice and, if consumed or inhaled at high concentrations, side effects can include headaches, dizziness and nausea. Many businesses in the areas affected by the chemical spill were forced to shut down or reduce operations due to the water ban.
Read about Motley Rice’s environmental contamination work, including groundwater contamination litigation.
Read more about the chemical spill:
- Jan. 16, 2014: CBS News, W.Va. chemical spill shows vulnerability of water supply
- Jan. 15, 2014: Associated Press, Company in W.Va. chemical spill cited at 2nd site
- Jan 13, 2014: Christian Science Monitor, West Virginia chemical spill: end of water ban in sight, but questions linger
- Jan. 13, 2014: CNN, West Virginia chemical spill casts spotlight on loose regulation
- Jan 12, 2014: Gazette-Mail, State ignored plan for tougher chemical oversight.
If you or someone you know is a business owner in the Charleston, W. Va., area and was impacted by this chemical spill, contact John Hurst (NC, SC, WV) or call our West Virginia office at 304.413.0456 to discuss your potential lawsuit.
Anne McGinness Kearse (SC) is the attorney responsible for this communication. Motley Rice’s offices in West Virginia are located at 320 Chestnut Street, Morgantown, WV.
*Please remember that every case is different. Any result we achieve for one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.