Video: Federal Bankruptcy Judge Approves $5.1 Billion Kerr McGee Settlement

[jwplatform 25rMpi7p]

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — A federal bankruptcy judge approves the national $5.1 billion Kerr McGee settlement to clean up former plant sites in Columbus and dozens of other communities.

Columbus attorneys Wil Colom and Hal McClanahan and others objected, saying the amounts weren’t enough to fully clean the sites or compensate people suffering health problems from creosote exposure.

Kerr McGee was found liable for up to $14 billion in damages. The Justice Department settled for a lower amount to get the deal finished after 15 years of hearings.

The federal judge says delaying the $604 million set aside for health claims and money for cleanup could mean more time in court, and leave communities waiting even longer for action.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials say work in Columbus could start in two years using the $69 million set aside for cleanup here.