Port Arthur sues six multinationals over pollution

By DINA CAPPIELLO
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

June 25, 2003, 3:36PM

Residents of Port Arthur neighborhoods surrounded by industrial plants filed suit today against six multinational corporations claiming that hazardous pollution tainted their air and property despite the companies' claims the environment was safe.

The suit, which listed more than 500 plaintiffs suffering diseases from asthma to cancer, was filed in Jefferson County court by three Houston-based lawyers. It is seeking compensation for past medical costs and money to start a health monitoring program in the area.

While "toxic tort" tactics are by no means a new, this suit is different in the quantity of pollution involved, according to lead attorney Newton Schwartz.

From January 2002 through January 2003, the refineries and petrochemical plants named in the litigation released thousands of pounds of pollution into the community, the suit alleges.

"The industries have destroyed the quality of life of their neighbors," said Don Maierson, an attorney for residents referred to in the suit as the "fence-line neighbors."

Maierson and the other attorneys today said government regulation of these plants is not doing enough.

A spokesman for Huntsman Petrochemical Corp. said that while the company had not seen the lawsuit today, the company feels "it is unfounded and without basis and we will defend ourselves against it."

The other companies named in the suit are Premcor Refining, BASF Corp., Atofina Petrochemicals, Chevron Phillips Corp. and Motiva Enterprises.

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