Foster Wheeler Corp.

Luzerne County, PA: (May-11-07) A class action lawsuit filed against Foster Wheeler Corp. alleged that the company was responsible for trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination in Mountain Top groundwater. The suit claimed that TCE, which was used as a degreaser by the company at its Crestwood Industrial Park plant, has been linked to cancer as well as kidney, liver, and nerve damage, according to various studies. Homeowners in the contaminated area have fought for tax relief on their now contaminated property. The Luzerne County Board of Assessment Appeals recently gave the homeowners an abatement of a third of their property taxes through 2010. In a settlement reached, Foster Wheeler Corp. agreed to pay $1.64 million for administrative costs, attorneys' fees and to class members. The contamination, which was discovered in 2004, is said to have affected 50 property owners. [CITIZENS VOICE: GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION]