NEWS
Stag Liuzza, LLC is a plaintiff-oriented environmental and complex litigation law firm. Stag Liuzza’s practice has grown to include maritime, personal injury, toxic torts, mineral royalties, and defective pharmaceutical/medical device litigation.

BY STAG LIUZZA • MARCH 15, 2023
Small, poor towns across the country are increasingly subject to the nearby placement of dangerous waste storage operations. Unfortunately, these towns rarely have full representation at the regulatory stage to ensure the safety of their residents. Stag Liuzza represents residents against the Town …
FILED UNDER: ENVIRONMENTAL TORTS, IN THE NEWS
INDUSTRIAL WASTE DISPOSAL – TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SMALL TOWN AMERICA
BY STAG LIUZZA • MARCH 15, 2023
Small, poor towns across the country are increasingly subject to the nearby placement of dangerous waste storage operations. Unfortunately, these towns rarely have full representation at the regulatory stage to ensure the safety of their residents. Stag Liuzza represents residents against the Town of Wheatfield in New York where companies dumped Love Canal waste. Stag Liuzza also previously represented clients living near a municipal landfill in which radioactive wastes were improperly dumped.
OIL INDUSTRY LANDFILL PROPOSED FOR LOCATION NEXT TO SMALL TOWN DRINKING WELLS
Residents of Paxton, Texas, are now desperately trying to avoid similar fates to our current and former clients. McBride Operating, LLC is attempting to place a massive landfill next to the tiny Texas town of 850. This proposed landfill will accept hundreds of millions of tons of oilfield waste for burial or injection. The proposed landfill will serve as a disposal site for the waste generated from the oil and gas production process, including drill cuttings, drilling mud, and hydraulic fracturing fluid.
OILFIELD WASTES A GROWING CONCERN
Disposal of oilfield wastes from the fracking boom in the Haynesville Shale is a growing concern in Texas and Louisiana. The proposed site for the landfill is approximately 1,500 feet from the drinking water wells for the town of Paxton. Additionally, Paxton overlies the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer which extends from Louisiana to Mexico and provides drinking water to 66 Texas counties.
REGULATORS OFTEN FAVOR INDUSTRY
The Texas Railroad Commission, the agency responsible for landfill permitting, has twice rejected the proposal by McBride due to contamination concerns. However, the Railroad Commissioner is a former landfill developer seemingly more concerned with the cost of waste disposal. The Commissioner suggested the Commission provide comments and suggestions before requesting McBride to resubmit its application. This is despite four previous requests to amend the application since 2019.
PROFITS OVER PEOPLE IS A SAD REALITY
“The cost for oil and gas waste disposal in East Texas is high, and I don’t want to negatively affect production in the area,” Wright said. Regulators more concerned with company profits than the health and safety of citizens is an unfortunate reality. Deep pocketed companies with teams of attorneys have the advantage.
A BIG OPERATION WITH BIG RISKS
Opponents of the landfill argue that it poses significant environmental and health risks to the surrounding communities. They are concerned about potential groundwater contamination, air pollution, and the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. The landfill is also located in a flood-prone area, which raises additional concerns about the potential for the release of hazardous waste during floods or other natural disasters.
In addition to environmental concerns, residents fear the impact the landfill will have on property values and quality of life. McBride wants to locate the landfill near residential areas, schools, and parks. The addition of an industrial landfill could stigmatize the area making it less attractive to new residents and businesses.
DESPITE BEST EFFORTS, SAFETY MEASURES OFTEN FAIL
McBride argues it will build and operate the landfill to the highest environmental standards. The developer states that safety measures will be in place to prevent any environmental harm. However, this is a common refrain by Texas industry when seeking permits. Stag Liuzza represents homeowners near an organic peroxide plant that ignited due to loss of cooling during Hurricane Harvey. The ensuing fire contaminated nearby homes and aggravated nearby residents. Despite backup safety systems in place, the operator lost control of the plant and nearby residents suffered.
LANDFILL PLACEMENT DECISION SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY
The decision to proceed with the landfill is ultimately in the hands of the Texas Railroad Commission. Regardless of the outcome, placement of industrial landfills is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and significant scrutiny. Potential benefits and risks must be carefully evaluated to ensure protection of the local community and the environment. It is also critical that citizen safety takes precedent over industry profits in deciding where to place these dangerous businesses.
OUR team
We prefer doing to talking (except in court), We take the bull by the horns and give you clear and practical advice. Personal, to the point, and in plain language. Any questions? Feel free to call or to drop by.
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
Stag Liuzza fights industry giants across the country and holds them accountable for their actions. We strive to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water, clean air, and a healthy environment.
- One Canal Place 365 Canal Street Suite 2850 New Orleans, LA 70130
- 504-593-9600
StagLiuzza.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Our attorneys have appeared before various Federal Courts throughout the United States including those in Louisiana and Mississippi as well as before various federal agencies in administrative proceedings on behalf of our clients.
Nothing on this site should be taken to establish an attorney-client relationship with us unless and until a contract for representation is signed. The attorneys of Stag Liuzza are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and may associate counsel licensed in other jurisdictions as necessary.
Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.
BY STAG LIUZZA • MARCH 13, 2023
On January 12, 2023, Michigan reached a settlement with Asahi Kasei Plastics North America [AKPNA] over PFAS contamination. The contamination emanates from AKPNA operations at their Brighton factory. The settlement ended a five-year legal battle between the state and the company over the operations …
FILED UNDER: IN THE NEWS
MICHIGAN SETTLES PFAS CONTAMINATION CLAIMS
BY STAG LIUZZA • MARCH 13, 2023
On January 12, 2023, Michigan reached a settlement with Asahi Kasei Plastics North America [AKPNA] over PFAS contamination. The contamination emanates from AKPNA operations at their Brighton factory. The settlement ended a five-year legal battle between the state and the company over the operations at its Brighton plant.
AKPNA BRIGHTON PLANT SUED BY MICHIGAN FOR CONTAMINATION OF LOCAL WATER SUPPLY
Michigan accused the Brighton factory, which produced PFAS-containing products, of releasing large amounts of the chemicals into the surrounding environment. These discharges contaminated nearby groundwater and surface water. In a 2018 lawsuit, the state of Michigan claimed that the contamination had caused harm to local residents and the environment. Michigan sought compensation for the costs of cleaning up contaminated water and compensating residents for harm caused by PFAS exposure.
AKPNA AGREES TO PAYMENTS UNDER CONSENT DECREE AFTER YEARS OF LITIGATION
AKPNA denied the allegations and argued that they were not responsible for the contamination. However, after years of legal battles, the company agreed to a consent decree with the state of Michigan. The consent decree requires payments to Michigan of $175,000 for litigation costs and $2.4 million for attorney’s fees. AKPNA must also pay $63,686.33 for past Response Activity Costs. AKPNA is responsible for millions in future response activity costs to ensure removal of PFAS contamination as well. Should AKPNA fail to fulfill its obligations under the Consent Decree, stipulated penalties will accrue daily.
AKPNA AGREES TO NEW SAFETY MEASURES
The Consent Decree requires AKPNA to implement new safety measures at their Brighton factory to prevent future PFAS releases. This includes upgrades to their wastewater treatment systems and the installation of new equipment to monitor and control PFAS emissions.
AKPNA AGREES TO DELINEATE AND REMEDIATE PFAS CONTAMINATION
The Consent Decree also requires AKPNA to delineate existing contamination. AKPNA must survey water wells in the areas, then conduct ground water sampling and monitoring of the drinking water. AKPNA will provide filters or bottled water for residents where PFOA exceeds Michigan’s groundwater criteria protective of drinking water. AKPNA shall also conduct an evaluation of an alternative long-term drinking water source.
SOME RESIDENTS THINK AKPNA SHOULD PROVIDE MORE IN COMPENSATION
The settlement has been met with mixed reactions from local residents and environmental groups. Some see it as a step in the right direction and a way to hold the company accountable for their actions. Others feel that the settlement does not go far enough in compensating residents for the harm caused by PFAS contamination.
Regardless of the opinions of stakeholders, the settlement marks an important step in addressing PFAS contamination in Michigan. The state has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle PFAS contamination. This settlement puts other companies on notice that they will be held accountable for harm caused by environmental contamination.
In addition to the Michigan lawsuit, states and individuals have filed numerous legal actions over PFAS contamination in recent years. These cases have raised awareness of the issue and the need for companies to take responsibility for the impact of their products on the environment and human health. If you have been impacted by PFAS contamination, call Stag Liuzza at (504) 593-9600 for a free evaluation.
OUR team
We prefer doing to talking (except in court), We take the bull by the horns and give you clear and practical advice. Personal, to the point, and in plain language. Any questions? Feel free to call or to drop by.
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
Stag Liuzza fights industry giants across the country and holds them accountable for their actions. We strive to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water, clean air, and a healthy environment.
- One Canal Place 365 Canal Street Suite 2850 New Orleans, LA 70130
- 504-593-9600
StagLiuzza.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Our attorneys have appeared before various Federal Courts throughout the United States including those in Louisiana and Mississippi as well as before various federal agencies in administrative proceedings on behalf of our clients.
Nothing on this site should be taken to establish an attorney-client relationship with us unless and until a contract for representation is signed. The attorneys of Stag Liuzza are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and may associate counsel licensed in other jurisdictions as necessary.
Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.
BY STAG LIUZZA • MARCH 10, 2023
Orphan wells, also known as abandoned or inactive wells, can pose significant dangers to the environment and human health. These wells are no longer in use or have been abandoned by their operators for various reasons. Some wells are abandoned due to bankruptcy, while others are disowned due to the …
FILED UNDER: IN THE NEWS, ENVIRONMENTAL TORTS
THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF ORPHAN WELLS
BY STAG LIUZZA • MARCH 10, 2023
Orphan wells, also known as abandoned or inactive wells, can pose significant dangers to the environment and human health. These wells are no longer in use or have been abandoned by their operators for various reasons. Some wells are abandoned due to bankruptcy, while others are disowned due to the depletion of resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ORPHAN WELLS
A major concern with orphan wells is the potential for leaks and spills. As these wells age and deteriorate, there is an increased risk of corrosion and structural failure, particularly in environments near saltwater. The deterioration of abandoned wells leads to the release of harmful substances such as methane, oil, and other chemicals. These leaks and spills can have a devastating impact on the environment, polluting soil, water, and air, and harming wildlife.
ORPHAN WELLS A DANGER TO CITIZENS
Another danger of orphan wells is the potential for explosions and fires. Methane and other gases that escape from these wells can accumulate, creating a risk of explosion or fire. This can be especially dangerous in densely populated areas, where such incidents can result in significant property damage and loss of life. Explosions from methane buildup resulted in at least one fatality in Louisiana.
STIGMA OF ORPHAN WELLS AND ABANDONED OPERATIONS
In addition to the physical dangers, orphan wells can also have a negative impact on the local economy. These wells can lower property values, making it difficult for homeowners and businesses to sell or develop their land. They can also discourage new development and economic growth in the area.
It is important to note that the number of orphan wells is increasing globally due to a variety of factors such as low oil prices, natural decline of oil production and companies going bankrupt. Small operators can take profits producing, then declare bankruptcy when a well ceases production or becomes an environmental liability.
GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENS STUCK WITH THE BILL
This type of operation impacts all citizens. The cost of cleaning up and plugging orphan wells can be significant, and often falls on taxpayers or the government. Many orphan wells are in poor shape due to a lack of maintenance. These wells must be closed and remediated to avoid more significant environmental disaster. That responsibility is increasingly left to the individual states and her citizens. Louisiana recently received a $25 million grant from the Biden Administration via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
This grant will go toward plugging, capping and reclaiming orphaned oil and gas wells in the state. This should fund the plugging of roughly 250 orphaned oil wells that pose a danger to people and the environment.
OUR team
We prefer doing to talking (except in court), We take the bull by the horns and give you clear and practical advice. Personal, to the point, and in plain language. Any questions? Feel free to call or to drop by.
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
Stag Liuzza fights industry giants across the country and holds them accountable for their actions. We strive to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water, clean air, and a healthy environment.
- One Canal Place 365 Canal Street Suite 2850 New Orleans, LA 70130
- 504-593-9600
StagLiuzza.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Our attorneys have appeared before various Federal Courts throughout the United States including those in Louisiana and Mississippi as well as before various federal agencies in administrative proceedings on behalf of our clients.
Nothing on this site should be taken to establish an attorney-client relationship with us unless and until a contract for representation is signed. The attorneys of Stag Liuzza are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and may associate counsel licensed in other jurisdictions as necessary.
Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.
Get a free consultation
OUR team
We prefer doing to talking (except in court), we take the bull by the horns and give you clear and practical advice. Personal, to the point and in plain language. Any questions? Feel free to call or to drop by.
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil
Stag Liuzza fights industry giants across the country and holds them accountable for their actions. We strive to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water, clean air, and a healthy environment.
- One Canal Place 365 Canal Street Suite 2850 New Orleans, LA 70130
- 504-593-9600
StagLiuzza.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Our attorneys have appeared before various Federal Courts throughout the United States including those in Louisiana and Mississippi as well as before various federal agencies in administrative proceedings on behalf of our clients.
Nothing on this site should be taken to establish an attorney-client relationship with us unless and until a contract for representation is signed. The attorneys of Stag Liuzza are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and may associate counsel licensed in other jurisdictions as necessary.
Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.