Tag Archives: environmental law

Bottled Up Tensions

Natural resource disaster

The Army Corps of Engineers may face the harsh repercussions associated with opening the Bonnet Carré Spillway and subsequently causing the direct and indirect injury and death of a significant portion of the area’s bottlenose dolphin population.  The spillway was opened in 2019 for a record 120 days.  Over this extended period, as polluted fresh water from the Mississippi River traveled into the Mississippi Sound saltwater, the impact of the flooding proved detrimental.  Many of the dolphins that did survive suffered from skin lesions.

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Group Plants Doubt

Protecting the environment

While the looming construction of a battery plant may threaten the existence of three species of wildlife in a Big Rapids, MI neighborhood, an organization has promised to take the necessary legal steps to endanger the progression of the project.  The Mecosta Environmental and Security Alliance (MESA) is offering the owners of the proposed electric vehicle battery plant, Gotion Inc., less than 60 days to respond to the group’s notice of intent to sue.  MESA predicts that Gotion may either sell the property or work directly with wildlife agencies to ensure the safety of the at-risk species.

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Keep DOJ at Bay

Restricted e-commerce transactions

One of the most well-known online auction and shopping sites, eBay has facilitated consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer transactions since its inception in 1995.  Separate from other e-commerce websites, eBay is driven by its sellers and relies on third parties to post their items to the platform and fulfill purchase orders at the conclusion of determined bidding periods.  Although it is presented as a convenient avenue to sell and purchase products, the marketplace may also afford certain freedoms that allow illegal items to unnoticeably slip through the cracks.  Due to this apparent leniency, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit.

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Unsweetened Legal Battle

Chocolate factory disaster

A natural gas leak has been identified as the possible determining factor in an explosion that took place in a chocolate factory, located in Berks County, PA.  Although authorities are still investigating the exact reason for the explosion, the impact was so intense that it leveled one of the factory buildings.  The blast caused the deaths of seven employees.  In a new lawsuit filed against the chocolate factory owner, R.M. Palmer Co., the plaintiff is claiming that employees complained about smelling the scent of natural gas on the day of the explosion; however, the owner allegedly ignored their concerns.  Continue reading

Getting Back on Track

En route to compensation

A heavily toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio has sparked environmental controversy.  Following the accident, the train, which is operated by Norfolk Southern, underwent a controlled burn.  The intention was to prevent a random explosion; however, the resulting impact of emitted chemicals was catastrophic.  A personal injury lawsuit compares the incident to “chemical warfare.”  Since the February 3 derailment, the residents contend that the drinking water and air quality have been contaminated; and they have experienced several health concerns, such as burning eyes, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.  Continue reading