West Virginia State University’s seven-year legal battle against chemical companies responsible for polluting the groundwater beneath its campus ended in a mistrial on Monday. The university had sued Dow Chemical, Union Carbide, and former operators of the plant for contaminating the water with probable carcinogens. The mistrial was declared after a jury failed to reach a verdict due to confrontational behavior from a juror.
The contamination was first discovered in 1984, with chemicals like 1,4-dioxane and chloroform found in elevated levels. Despite the University’s claims of harm to its reputation, the chemical companies deny any health risks to the community. The case involved a complex history of ownership changes at the chemical plant over the years.
While the groundwater contamination may not pose an immediate health risk due to the university sourcing water from West Virginia American Water, concerns over potential exposure through inhaling vapors remain. This legal battle is just one of several challenges faced by the chemical companies in recent years, including violations of the Clean Water Act and allegations of causing cancer through emissions.
The community in Institute has a long history with Union Carbide, with past incidents like the Bhopal gas leak in India and a hazardous chemical leak in the local plant raising concerns. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for environmental regulations and corporate responsibility in West Virginia. The mistrial marks a setback for West Virginia State University in its pursuit of justice for the pollution of its campus groundwater.
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