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Occidental Chemical sued by neighbors

Occidental Chemical has been named as the primary defendant in what may soon become a class action lawsuit.

The suit was filed in Colbert County Circuit Court on January 10th, and according to attorneys, hundreds have added their names.

People owning homes and businesses near Occidental say the plant has released toxic chemicals into the air and water, ultimately contaminating their property.

Montgomery-based attorneys Alyce Robertson and Rhon Jones say the value of the land has been affected.

"We're going try to put forth evidence that there is Mercury on these properties and that it came from Occidental and we want the homeowners to be compensated. Just as important, we want Occidental to clean-up the area", said Jones during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.

Occidental uses Mercury to manufacture chemicals like chlorine, potassium carbonate and hydroxide.

Prior to 1992, the plant made caustic soda.

Environmental watch-dog groups like Oceana have released findings in the past indicating that Occidental has released mercury at dangerous levels.

Attorneys Robertson and Jones say recent soil samples taken on private property near the plant are alarming.

"And we'd like Occidental to show responsibility and be a corporate citizen and clean-up what they have polluted", says Jones.

Plaintiffs are asking that a jury hear the case and ultimately decide the amount of any damages.