E. Oregon ranch agrees to $6.2M settlement in contamination case
Madison Ranches agrees to $6.2 million settlement in nitrate groundwater contamination lawsuit affecting 45,000 Eastern Oregon residents.Summary
Madison Ranches Inc. has agreed to a $6.2 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging nitrate groundwater contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin Ground Water Management Area, which affects approximately 45,000 residents in Umatilla and Morrow counties. The lawsuit also names the Port of Morrow, Lamb Weston Holdings Inc., Threemile Canyon Farms LLC, Portland General Electric Co., and Columbia River Processing LLC as defendants accused of generating nitrogen-polluted runoff. Under the settlement, Madison Ranches will pay into a fund to assist homeowners with deeper wells, filtration systems, and water bill assistance, while committing to continue best farming practices to contain nitrate applications. The settlement resolves claims against Madison Ranches, but litigation continues against the other defendants. Attorneys note residents need not take action yet; a court-appointed administrator will notify eligible residents if the court grants preliminary approval.
(Source：East Oregonian)