Seattle will receive $160 million from Monsanto to address pollution in the Lower Duwamish River after a nearly decade-long legal battle.
Conrad Swanson reports for The Seattle Times.
In short:
- Monsanto will pay $160 million to Seattle for contaminating the Lower Duwamish River with toxic PCBs.
- The city alleged Monsanto knowingly sold harmful chemicals that polluted 20,000 acres draining into the river.
- The settlement amount is less than half of the $342 million estimated for the river's full cleanup.
Key quote:
“We all play a role in protecting our environment and I am glad that Monsanto will contribute to this important environmental cleanup.”
— Ann Davison, Seattle City Attorney
Why this matters:
PCBs pose serious health risks to people and wildlife. Addressing this contamination is crucial for the environmental health of the region and the safety of its inhabitants.
