At OnderLaw, we know the importance of protecting our environment. From preserving scenic lands to ensuring the safety of all, our experienced environmental attorneys stand ready to hold corporations and other responsible parties accountable when they put our world at risk. For us, this starts right at home. Just thirty minutes north of Kansas City, the residents of Liberty, MO were once endangered when a chemical plant was established on the land that once held their water treatment plant. When improper waste disposal led to widespread water pollution in Clay County, the impact was detrimental. Toxic chemicals were left to spread not only throughout nearby land but into the homes around the area.
The history of the Lee Chemical Superfund Site is a harrowing tale of environmental negligence and its devastating consequences. Several Superfund sites around the nation arose from severe contamination after careless industrial practices, though this one is the site of severe water pollution in Clay County that tragically started at the former water treatment plant.
The story began when the town of Liberty established a water treatment facility that operated from 1920 through 1962. Shortly after the plant was shut down, the property was leased to Lee Chemical, a corporation responsible for transporting, packaging, and disposing of various chemicals from companies around the region.
Before long, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) was alerted of Lee Chemical’s improper waste practices and was quick to investigate. In 1977, the MoDNR worked alongside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to direct the disposal of hazardous materials from the Site.
As the years went by, the pollution only worsened. Finally, in 1982, a Remedial Action Plan was established to address the contamination and restore the affected area. This included the installation of an aqueous soil washing system, the extraction and discharge of groundwater, and continued sampling and monitoring of the soil and groundwater that remains in the area today.
Later, in 1991, the site became a designated Superfund site, allowing funds to be allocated for the cleanup and further assistance to be granted.
Today, the site has been cleared for public use and remediation efforts are complete. However, despite these efforts, the damage caused by the water pollution in Clay County cannot be ignored. The residents who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals deserve justice and accountability for the harm inflicted upon them.
That is where environmental law comes into play.
At OnderLaw, we are committed to standing up for the victims of the Lee Chemical Superfund Site, using our expertise and passion to hold responsible parties accountable. Together, we can fight for a cleaner and safer environment for all.
The Lee Chemical Superfund Site in Clay County, Missouri was plagued by severe water pollution, largely caused by the improper disposal of hazardous chemicals. One of the main chemicals found at the site was trichloroethane (TCE), a toxic substance known to cause serious health effects in humans. This contamination primarily affected the groundwater, which in turn posed a significant risk to nearby residents and the surrounding environment.
TCE is a volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly used as a solvent for various industrial processes. It has been linked to numerous health issues and, when it’s released into the environment, TCE can contaminate water sources, posing a significant threat to both human and ecological health.
The water pollution in Clay County caused by these chemicals is a grave concern. Not only did it impact the residents’ access to safe drinking water but also exposed them to potentially serious health risks. Individuals living in the vicinity of the Lee Chemical Superfund Site may have unknowingly consumed or been exposed to these hazardous substances, putting their well-being in jeopardy.
At OnderLaw, we believe that nobody should suffer due to the negligence of others, especially when it comes to protecting our environment and public health. For anyone who lived or worked near this site during its contamination, understanding the health risks associated with the chemicals found in the area is crucial.
Exposure to trichloroethane (TCE), one of the main chemicals found at the Lee Chemical Superfund Site, can have serious health effects on individuals. Prolonged exposure can lead to compromised immune, nervous, and reproductive systems.
Long-term exposure to TCE also poses an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and liver cancer. These health risks are particularly alarming and raise significant concerns for those who may have unknowingly been exposed to TCE due to the water pollution in Clay County.
It’s important to note that the potential for an individual to experience these health effects depends on the amount of TCE they were exposed to and the length of the exposure. Even low levels of exposure can still result in adverse health outcomes, especially with prolonged exposure.
For individuals who have suffered from these health effects as a result of exposure to TCE at the Lee Chemical Superfund Site, there may be legal recourse available. At OnderLaw, our experienced environmental attorneys are well-versed in navigating the complexities of environmental law and have a deep understanding of the impacts of water pollution. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed and are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
As experienced environmental attorneys, OnderLaw understands the devastating impact that water pollution in Clay County has had on the residents, especially those near the Lee Chemical Superfund site. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed and seeking justice for the victims of this environmental negligence.
In the case of the Lee Chemical Superfund Site, there may be potential for both mass tort and class action lawsuits. A mass tort lawsuit would allow individual plaintiffs to pursue their own claims for compensation and hold responsible parties accountable for the harm caused by the water pollution in Clay County. A class action lawsuit, on the other hand, would allow a group of affected individuals to collectively seek compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Through these legal avenues, we may be able to help victims seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses resulting from their exposure to hazardous chemicals. We have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of environmental law and ensure that those responsible for this harm are held accountable.
If you or a loved one have been affected by the water pollution in Clay County near the Lee Chemical Superfund Site, it is important to take action and seek legal representation. Our team at OnderLaw is here to support you, fight for your rights, and advocate for a cleaner and safer environment for all. Contact us today to learn more about your options and how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
