PROVIDENCE, RI (Legal Newsline) – The state of Rhode Island is seeking to recover costs of the cleanup of a site from two companies who formerly used the property.
State of Rhode Island, by and through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, filed a complaint on June 13 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island against Black & Decker Inc. and Emhart Industries Inc. citing the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Hazardous Waste Management Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that between 1943 and 1972, disposal activities at defendants' North Providence, Rhode Island site of assorted hazardous substances has resulted in contamination of the soil, groundwater, surface, water and sediments that has greatly affected the Woonasquatucket River and surrounding areas. The plaintiff alleges it will incur future costs for response action to rectify the issue.
The plaintiff alleges Black & Decker Inc. and Emhart Industries Inc. are jointly and severally liable to it for all costs incurred in connection with the site.
The plaintiff seeks judgment for all response costs incurred, other costs and disbursements of the action, and any additional relief the court deems just and proper under the circumstances. It is represented by Susan Forcier of RIDEM in Providence, Rhode Island.
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island case number 1:18-cv-00316-WES-LDA