Coldwater Creek and Westlake Landfill update

REPORT ON PRELIMINARY TEST RESULTS
 
As we previously reported, we have conducted preliminary testing on select properties in the Coldwater Creek and Westlake Landfill areas for isotopic uranium, thorium, and lead. The collection and testing is a lengthy and expensive process. A number of radioactive isotopes have been found above background levels.
 
Our experts are experienced in onsite field sampling and testing, environmental and nuclear forensic examinations. They are putting the test results into a database and we will provide our clients with additional information once we receive further data from our experts.

PUBLIC MEETING RECAP
 
On January 7th, a Bridgeton Public Health Consultation meeting was held with officials from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). DHSS had previously announced that it will be monitoring the partial radioactive material excavation to be conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and that will cost $205 million. However, an administrator of the DHSS public health division acknowledged that the problem has not been eliminated. The meeting largely focused on the fumes being emitted from the landfill and not on the radioactive material that is the subject of these lawsuits.
 
HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRES
 
In November 2018, we sent out Health Questionnaires to all of our clients. We are still awaiting receipt of completed questionnaires from many of you. If you have not yet sent in your completed questionnaire, please do so immediately. This information is needed for us to proceed with the next planning stage of the case for those of you who have suffered health consequences. Timeliness of your responses is critical as there may be deadline obligations imposed by a court in another related matter that could apply to you. Please contact us if you have received a cancer diagnosis.
 
PENDING MOTIONS BEFORE THE COURT
 
In both the Bridgeton Landfill and Coldwater Creek class actions, Plaintiffs are awaiting the federal Court’s decision whether to remand the cases to Saint Louis County Circuit Court based on applicable state and federal law. If the remand is granted, then the cases will continue in Missouri State Court. If remand is denied, the cases will remain in Federal Court.
 
Here are two recent news stories about the January 7th meeting:
 
St. Louis Post Dispatch: Health report on Bridgeton landfill fuels anger, questions from residents
 
KMOV: Breathing air near Bridgeton Landfill ‘may have been harmful,’ report says
 
Links to the court filings:
 
Coldwater Creek:
http://www.brylskicompany.com/press-releases/coldwater-creek-class-action-petition
 
Bridgeton:
http://www.brylskicompany.com/press-releases/bridgeton-landfill-class-action
 
We are continuing to accept clients who are affected in both the Coldwater Creek and Bridgeton cases. Local counsel is available to meet with anyone affected.