PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two people who live within a mile of Precision Castparts have filed a class action lawsuit against the company for allegedly emitting toxic air pollution from its Southeast Portland facility.
The lawsuit filed by Brian and Rodica Resendez, who have lived near Precision Castparts’ facility on Southeast Harney Drive near Johnson Creek since 2005, claims the company releases toxic materials, including arsenic and nickel, into the air.
The suit, which is filed “individually and on behalf of a class of similarly situated persons,” said the toxic emissions threaten neighbors’ health and has reduced outdoor activity, such as gardening.
They want Precision Castparts to stop its toxic emissions, “remediate its environmental contamination” and pay damages to the people in the class.
Precision Castparts spokesperson Jay Khetani told KOIN 6 News, “We do not comment on pending litigation. We are looking forward to our community meeting on the 25th.”
Precision Castparts makes parts for airplanes, among other things, and employs nearly 2,800 people in the Portland area.
The Department of Environmental Quality recently began monitoring the air around the plant after a Department of Forestry study found high levels of arsenic and nickel.
Air monitors were installed to look for metals including lead, cobalt and cadmium.
At an April 19 meeting with the Milwaukie City Council, Precision Castparts said it doesn’t use arsenic.
“We feel really good about the strong emission controls that we have,�?Precision Castparts�?Aaron Johnson said. “We know what alloys and components we use.�?
The plant is investing $17 million in new pollution controls, including a $4 million storm water filtration system.
—–People interested in joining the class action suit should call Brian Knusten at 503.841.6515 or Knoll Lowney at 206.860.2986.