Energy Companies, Contractor Sued Over 'Toxic' Dumping Site

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A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed in Pennsylvania against First Energy Corp., NRG Energy, and Matt Canestrale Contracting, Inc, alleging that they caused the properties surrounding a coal ash dumping site to become contaminated with toxins. According to the complaint, the energy companies use a site overlooking LaBelle, PA to dispose of coal ash from their power plants that contains high levels of toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The suit claims that these toxins leak into the groundwater and blow through the air onto surrounding residential properties, posing serious health hazards to the residents of LaBelle.

Matt Canestrale Contracting was allegedly responsible to reclaim and close the site over 10 years ago, but the plaintiffs say the coal ash continues to be hauled in on uncovered barges and trucks and remains uncontained. On top of the health risks, the contamination has also caused the property value of residents’ homes to decrease, according to the complaint.

The suit seeks medical relief in the form of blood tests and medical monitoring for proposed class members, along with monetary damages. The plaintiffs also request that the defendants clean up the contamination from the allegedly affected properties.