February 1st, 2006

The attorney general for Rhode Island has revealed that the US army is to pay out nearly $1.5 million to the state in order to settle lawsuits relating to the dumping of waste, including asbestos. The lawsuits, which were filed by the state, were over environmental damage caused by the dumping are are looking to recover money for damages caused.

From 1939 until 2001 the Navy owned the dumping site, the Allen Harbor Landfill and Calf Pasture Point. It was here that the Navy dumped a number of hazardous substances including asbestos, all of which risked environmental damage and contamination of the air.

Department of Environmental Management Director W. Michael Sullivan, stated: "This is an important day for Rhode Island and its natural resources. After more than two years of litigation, the state is finally being compensated for the groundwater, wetlands, and shellfish resources that were irretrievably lost and damaged by the U.S. Navy's past disposal of hazardous substances."

Other substances dumped at the site included paint thinners and municipal waste. It has been claimed on the lawsuit that the drinking water as well as the shellfish in the area will be unusable.