A group of residents in Mississippi are taking legal action against a British oil company, claiming that it has been dumping hazardous waste into their community for decades. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 14 plaintiffs, accuses BP of violating federal and state environmental laws by disposing of millions of gallons of oilfield waste into unlined pits near their homes.
The plaintiffs allege that the waste contains carcinogens, heavy metals, and radioactive materials that have contaminated their soil, water, and air. They say that they have suffered from health problems such as cancer, respiratory issues, skin rashes, and neurological disorders as a result of the exposure. They are seeking damages for medical expenses, property loss, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal battles between BP and the residents of Natchez, a small town on the banks of the Mississippi River. The dispute dates back to 2010, when BP was involved in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the largest marine oil spill in history. The spill released about 4.9 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, affecting the wildlife and ecosystems along the coast.
As part of the cleanup efforts, BP hired contractors to dispose of the oil-contaminated waste. According to the lawsuit, some of the contractors dumped the waste into pits near Natchez, without proper permits or safeguards. The pits were allegedly left uncovered and unmonitored, allowing the waste to seep into the ground and evaporate into the air.
The plaintiffs claim that they were unaware of the dumping until 2017, when they noticed a foul odor and a black substance on their properties. They contacted the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), which conducted an investigation and confirmed the presence of oilfield waste in the area. The MDEQ ordered BP to remove the waste and remediate the site, but the plaintiffs say that the company has failed to comply with the order.
BP has denied any wrongdoing and has challenged the jurisdiction of the lawsuit. The company argues that the case should be heard in federal court, not state court, because it involves issues of interstate commerce and federal law. The company also contends that it is not responsible for the actions of its contractors, and that it has cooperated with the MDEQ and other regulators.
The plaintiffs, however, insist that their case belongs in state court, where they hope to get a fair trial and hold BP accountable for its actions. They say that they are not seeking a windfall, but justice for their community.
“We are not looking for a handout. We are looking for BP to do what is right,” said one of the plaintiffs, Willie Johnson. “They have destroyed our land, our water, our health, and our way of life. They need to clean up their mess and pay for what they have done.”