DPC Spill Arizona - Local Residents Deal with Toxic Spill: No More Cloudy Days

Glendale/W. Phoenix Neighbors Claim DPC's Carelessness Caused the Toxic Chlorine Spill. (o En Español)

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announced Thursday they will conduct a full investigation into the November 17th chlorine spill at the DPC Enterprises chlorine recycling plant in Glendale, AZ.

CSB and DPC are no strangers. The federal agency investigated DPC in August 2002 following a massive 48,000-gallon chlorine spill outside of St. Louis, MO. At the end of the investigation, CSB reported that residents in the surrounding area were experiencing various lingering effects more than 9 months after the spill.

People in the Glendale/West Phoenix area are now taking action. A class action lawsuit has been brought asserting claims based upon DPC's negligent conduct. According to Hart Robinovitch, attorney for those living by the plant, None of these homeowners thought that by living in this neighborhood they would be subjected to the consequences of a toxic chemical spill.

The total number of people affected by the spill is still undetermined. However, it is estimated that 5,000 people were evacuated from their homes. The CSB investigation will bring clarity to a number of the questions arising in the aftermath of this spill.

Arizona law firms, Zimmerman Reed P.L.L.P. and Scott E. Richardson, P.C. represent the local residents in this lawsuit. Attorney Robinovitch indicated, "We have investigators on site and we are assisting our clients in seeking appropriate medical care and testing. The class action suit includes individuals who experienced physical injury, property damage or devaluation and other damages as a result of the chlorine spill."

A CSB spokesperson explained, “Chlorine is a dangerous chemical if not handled correctly and one which can have tragic consequences for workers and residents who may be affected by the chlorine leak...we want to see what lessons can be learned from this accident to prevent releases in the future.” Those affected by the recent spill couldn’t agree more.

For more information on this case, contact attorney Barry Reed at 1.800.493.2827 or click here to send an email