In late 2000 and early 2001 Erin Brockovich and Ed Masry of Masry & Vititoe were contacted by two separate groups of concerned citizens in upstate New York regarding toxic contamination of their homes and neighborhoods. One of the sites was in Brockport, New York and concerned groundwater contamination with organic solvents including TCE by General Electric Company and Black & Decker and surface water and sediment contamination with PCBs and PAHs by the same companies as well as cyanide contamination by a third company 3M. The second matter involved drinking water contamination with organic solvents, including TCE, again by General Electric Company from its former plant located near Auburn, New York.

After conducting an initial investigation and determining the serious nature of these two contamination sites, Erin and Ed began a search for a New York law firm to partner with in order to pursue these two potential cases. After doing extensive research and contacting attorneys around the country for recommendations, Erin and Ed chose Faraci Lange. Since that time the two firms have worked closely together in filing suit against GE, Black & Decker and 3M in the Brockport matter and GE in the Auburn matter. In late 2003 a resolution was reached with 3M in the Brockport matter but litigation with GE and Black & Decker is proceeding. However, as a direct result of the lawsuit over 17 tons of soils contaminated with PCBs, PAHs and cyanide have been removed from the creek bed and flood plain of a small creek located in a residential neighborhood just north of the former industrial plants. Litigation in the Auburn case is proceeding as well.

In 2003 the two firms began an investigation of a third case in Endicott New York involving groundwater contamination and what is called “vapor intrusion” in the town of Endicott, New York. Organic Solvents, including TCE and PCE which entered the groundwater from the former IBM plant in this small upstate village were being released by the groundwater as toxic vapors and entering homes, businesses, churches and schools in the village. This investigation continues.

See how we are regarded by others in the legal community here.