Robert S. Kerr. Kerr-McGee Reps Discuss Cleanup of Treatment Plant Site
DO YOU REALIZE THE PROFITS THESE COMPANY MAKE? Kerr-Magee? This is the irreverence they have toward the laws of this country and the people those laws protect. Is it any wonder they could not care less about the demise of a plant?

November 14, 2003

The residents of Avoca Borough met with officials to discuss the contamination of Kerr-McGee's property, including testing and cleanup of the site to comply with the state's land recycling program. Kerr-McGee company representative Robert Pounds and Joseph Brogna of the state Department of Environmental Protection were on hand, and heard from borough officials and residents, many of whom voiced concerns about exposure to toxins. The Oklahoma-based company used the site to pressure-treat wood for railroad ties, closing in 1996 after 32 years in operation.

Although officials from Kerr-McGee claim to have only learned about contamination on the property in the past few years, many residents, including Councilwoman Mary Ann Tigue, found it difficult to believe that the company was unaware of the carcinogens it released into the air and groundwater. A Luzerne County judge recently approved 29 out-of-court settlements, the largest for $450,000 in a wrongful death lawsuit. The company also settled another wrongful death suit for $234,550. Over 1,000 residents concerned about the health effects of the plant have joined class action lawsuits against Kerr-McGee.

The suits claim that plant workers used benzene, arsenic, and creosote (all classified by the EPA as probable carcinogens) to pressure-treat railroad ties, which were then left outside to dry. The rain and wind conditions caused the treated would to emit odors and toxins, contaminating air, soil, and groundwater.

The representative claimed that plans to clean up the property, and has entered an agreement with the state that would allow Kerr-McGee to avoid liability if the land is cleaned to the state's satisfaction. After passing inspection, the property could once again be used as an industrial or commercial operation.