MUSCATINE, IOWA (AP) — Thousands of Muscatine residents could receive payments after a judge approved a class-action settlement with an industrial plant over odor and haze they allege led to health problems.
The Muscatine Journal reports that Grain Processing Corporation has agreed to pay $45 million to cover an estimated 14,000 claims. Another $6.5 million will be spent on pollution controls at the Muscatine plant.
Residents sued the company in 2012, alleging the plant was negligent with its emissions and the odor was a nuisance.
Sarah Siskind is an attorney representing the residents. She says the settlement is groundbreaking because of the duration of coverage, complexity and value.
GPC attorney Joshua Frank says the company supports the settlement and believes it's fair.
Residents have until March 19 to file a claim. Residents could receive $2,000 to $16,000, depending on where they live.
