California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
Recently, the State Water Resources Control has determined that a large presence of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) found in Oakland’s storm water are posing significant health impacts for drinking water as well as habitats for fish and wildlife.
Monsanto, an agricultural chemical company, brought PCBs, known to cause significant ailments, such as cancer in humans, into the area through various products.
Because the city of Oakland has to pay to clean up its waterways, they are now suing Monsanto for compensation, citing the chemical agency’s products as the cause.
“The company that is responsible for this vast contamination should bear the burden of cleaning up our environment, not the taxpayers of Oakland and California,” City Attorney Barbara Parker said. “Monsanto knew that its products posed a significant threat to human and environmental health around the world. However, the company chose profits over protecting people, and American cities and citizens are still suffering the consequences.”
Prior to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ban in 1979, it was common to see the chemical in electronics and building materials, like paints and caulking.
It is estimated that countywide costs to clean up the waterways could reach $1 billion.
San Jose, San Diego and Spokane have also filed similar lawsuits against Monsanto.
