ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – The state of New York alleges a property in Ithaca has contaminated groundwater.
State of New York filed a complaint on Nov. 29 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York against Knuppenburg Realty Inc. and Gloria Knuppenburg citing the Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
According to the complaint, the defendants formerly owned a site in Ithaca that as operated as a dry cleaners for a period. The suit states Gloria Knuppenburg owned the site from 1990 to 2002 before selling it to Knuppenburg Realty.
The plaintiff alleges that it has incurred costs in excess of $1.4 million to assess, monitor, evaluate, oversee and conduct removal and/or remedial actions in responding to the release and threatened release of hazardous substances such as perchloroethylene.
The plaintiff alleges that the defendants should be held jointly and severally liable under CERCLA for costs and expenses.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against defendants, declaratory relief, costs and expenses, interest, attorneys' fees, and further relief as the court deems just and proper. It is represented by Matthew J. Sinkman of Environmental Protection Bureau in New York.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York case number 3:18-CV-01392