Chicago Coal Dust Class Action Settlement

Several Chicago companies have agreed to settle a class action lawsuit over allegations that they failed to take reasonable measures to prevent coal dust and petroleum coke from polluting nearby communities.

KCBX Terminals Company, Koch Carbon LLC, DTE Chicago Fuels Terminal LLC, Calumet Transload Railroad LLC, George J. Beemsterboer Inc., Beemsterboer Slag and Ballast Corporation agreed to pay a total of $1.425 million to resolve claims that the toxic dust had a negative impact on local property values.

In particular, nearby Chicago residents alleged that petroleum coke (petcoke) not only lowered house values but also posed a health and fire risk. Petroleum coke is a byproduct of the coal refining process made up of a fine, black, powdery substance. Chicago residents within the Class Area claim that petcoke is harmful if inhaled and easily carried to nearby homes through the wind.

The Chicago coal dust settlement affects property owners within the Class Area which is bounded by Torrence Avenue on the West, 95th Street on the North, the Illinois-Indiana border on the East, and 114th Street on the South.

Those Class Members who wish to object or be excluded from the class action settlement must do so by June 21, 2016.

Who’s Eligible

The Chicago coal dust class action settlement is open to all individuals who owned property located within the boundaries of Torrence Avenue on the West, 95th Street on the North, the Illinois-Indiana border on the East, and 114th Street on the South at any time between Oct. 31, 2008 and Mar. 1, 2016.

Potential Award

Varies.

The $1.425 million Settlement Fund will be divided equally with all Class Members who submit a valid and timely Claim Form.

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Class Members who want to receive a portion of the Settlement Fund must submit a Claim Form no later than Sept. 24, 2016.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

09/24/2016

Case Name

Campos v. Calumet Transload Railroad LLC, Case No. 1:13-cv-08376, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Final Hearing

07/26/2016

UPDATE: On August 3, 2016, the court granted the Chicago Coal Dust settlement final approval.  Keep checking back and let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our  Facebook page.

Settlement Website

https://eclaim.kccllc.net/caclaimforms/cux/home.aspx

Claims Administrator

Petcoke Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 40007
College Station, TX 77842
1-844-209-2914

Class Counsel

Ben Barnow
BARNOW AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr.
ZIMMERMAN LAW OFFICES, P.C.

Defense Counsel

Stephen A. Swedlow
QUINN EMANUEL URQUHART & SULLIVAN, LLP

S. Patrick McKey
BRYAN CAVE LLP

Michael J. Maher
SWANSON, MARTIN & BELL, LLP