Chemtools class action settlement to pay Rockton residents $95M

ROCKTON Ill. (WTVO) — Almost three years after a massive fire at the Chemtool manufacturing plant, residents who experienced negative effects from the disaster are set to receive a $95 Million settlement.

“It’s been tough on a lot of people,” said Blackhawk Acres Resident Mark Micka.

Residents near the site of the Chemtool plant explosion received good news this week as a preliminary settlement for almost $95 million was reached in a class action lawsuit that claim the disaster released toxic substances to the surrounding area.

“I mean, we were all mad as hell going to happen,” said Micka. “Got together pretty much right off the bat or one around and talked about doing a class action to help out, especially the people who really need it.”

Micka said the people who need it most are those with unfiltered drinking water. He said they are reluctant to drink the tap water.

“Everybody I know is not drinking the tap water. They’re all either got bottled water or some kind of a filtering system in their house,” said Micka. “I know one person that’s got to filter systems, you know, one for this drinking water and one that’s coming into the house.”

While Micka has a filtration system, he said many cannot afford it, forcing a reliance on water bottles. He hopes the settlement, along with a change in water supply, can help finally ease the water problem.

“It’s going to be nice that they can feel better that the water with the hook-up and maybe put out the reverse osmosis until we can get hooked up,” said Micka

Chemtools did not immediately respond for a comment, a statement from lawyers representing residents in the suit is expected to be released in the coming days.

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