DuPont Reaches Agreement to Settle Spelter, W.Va. Lawsuit

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Nov 23, 2010, 01:15 ET

WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont (NYSE: DD)and attorneys for the class members involved in a lawsuit regarding the company's former facility in Spelter, W.Va., announced a proposed settlement of the lawsuit.

The proposed settlement, which is pending approval in Harrison County (W.Va.) Circuit Court, calls for DuPont to pay $70 million for clean-up costs and other costs and expenses associated with the litigation. The settlement also establishes a limited medical monitoring program, in which DuPont has agreed to provide periodic medical testing and medical check-ups to class members for a period of 30 years to test for any possible effects from the Spelter facility. Class members will be notified by mail and by public advertisements of the proposed settlement and will be invited to a final hearing on the settlement which is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 30 in the Harrison County courtroom of Circuit Judge Thomas Bedell.

A copy of the terms and conditions of the proposed settlement are available by clicking here.

"DuPont is pleased to reach an agreement that places our focus on the Spelter site and the community and not on lengthy and contentious legal proceedings," said Thomas L. Sager, DuPont General Counsel. "DuPont has had manufacturing operations in West Virginia for more than 80 years with a solid track record of investment, employment and community involvement. We remain committed to operating our facilities in the state consistent with our core values and continue to play a meaningful role in the economic future of West Virginia."

DuPont (www.dupont.com) is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

SOURCE DuPont