As an Environmental Lawyer in Tennessee, OnderLaw is experienced in the complex legal and regulatory issues surrounding Superfund sites in Tennessee. One of the most serious Superfund sites in Tennessee is the American Creosote Works site located in Memphis. The site has been listed on the National Priorities List since 1986 due to the hazardous chemicals found there and, while cleanup is underway, these chemicals may have been causing adverse health effects well before then.
The American Creosote Works Superfund site in Tennessee has a long and troubling history. American Creosote Works was established in the early 1900s, where they treated railroad ties with creosote, a toxic substance used to preserve wood. Unfortunately, they were not adequately disposing of their hazardous waste and were ultimately responsible for significant contamination of the surrounding area. The site was declared a Superfund site in 1986, and since then, numerous efforts have been made to mitigate the damage caused by the company’s negligent practices. Despite this, the area remains polluted, and many individuals who lived or worked nearby are still suffering from the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals.
The American Creosote Works Superfund Site used several chemicals for wood treatment from the 1940s to the 1980s. The production process involved the use of various toxic chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
PAHs are a group of chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, and other organic substances. Also found at the site, arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is toxic to humans in high concentrations. Lastly, PCBs are man-made chemicals that were used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications before being banned in the United States in 1979.
Contamination from these chemicals at the American Creosote Works Superfund Site has been extensive. The site has polluted soil, groundwater, and surface water, including the nearby Forked Deer River. In addition to harming the environment, these chemicals pose a significant risk to the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, or attend school near the site.
Several health risks have been associated with the site due to the presence of toxic chemicals in the soil and water. The potential long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals are devastating. Exposure to these hazardous substances can lead to serious health complications, including cancer, respiratory issues, and neurological damage.
Some of the toxic chemicals found at this site are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer in humans. Exposure to PAHs can occur through inhalation of contaminated air, ingestion of contaminated soil or water, or direct skin contact with contaminated materials.
While the health risks associated with these chemicals are quite serious, they are not the only risks associated with this site. Exposure to heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, and benzene, can lead to skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and blood disorders, as well as various forms of cancer.
The health risks associated with the American Creosote Works Superfund site are serious and cannot be ignored. Individuals who have been impacted by exposure to these hazardous chemicals may be entitled to compensation through toxic tort or mass tort lawsuits.
As an experienced environmental law firm, OnderLaw understands the complex legal landscape surrounding these cases and can help victims pursue the justice they deserve. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights of those impacted by environmental contamination, and we are here to help in any way we can.
As an environmental law firm, OnderLaw is no stranger to handling cases related to hazardous waste and contamination. The American Creosote Works Superfund site in Tennessee is yet another example of a contaminated area that demands attention and legal action.
To hold the responsible parties accountable, OnderLaw may choose to file a class action lawsuit or a mass tort lawsuit on behalf of the impacted individuals. In a class action lawsuit, a group of individuals who have similar injuries or damages caused by the same source can join together and file a lawsuit as one entity. This is particularly effective when a large number of individuals are impacted by the same contamination, as is the case at the American Creosote Works Superfund site.
Alternatively, OnderLaw may file a mass tort lawsuit. A mass tort is similar to a class action, but it allows individual lawsuits to be filed by each person who has been affected by the contamination. This can be a more appropriate option when each person has different injuries or damages caused by the same source, such as in the case of the American Creosote Works Superfund site.
At OnderLaw, our goal is to seek justice and compensation for the impacted individuals who have suffered from the health risks associated with exposure to the toxic chemicals found at the site. If you feel you or your community has been impacted by the chemicals at the American Creosote Works Superfund site, click here to speak with one of our experienced environmental attorneys today.
