$80 Million Settlement Reached Over Nuclear Fuel Facility Contamination
Solstice Advanced Materials has agreed to pay $80 million to settle claims that its nuclear fuel facility in Metropolis, Illinois, spewed radiation over the town for decades, sickening residents and contaminating properties. The plant, which transforms uranium ore into a gas called UF₆, emits radiotoxic material as part of the conversion process.
State data showed that brain cancer incidence in Massac County was 45% higher than the state average and lung cancer 52% higher. Honeywell International previously settled several personal-injury cases tied to the plant since the first lawsuits were filed in 2018.
The agreement settles property damage lawsuits filed by Metropolis and Massac County, a proposed class action from residents living within three miles of the plant, and pending or unfiled claims by individual residents who blamed their illnesses on chronic leaks of UF₆ and radioactive dust. However, it does not provide money to fully clean up existing contamination throughout the community.
The Department of Energy agreed to provide the facility with $187.5 million in government funding last year to help pay for expansion. The agreement creates a qualified settlement fund for residents, which will include at least 1,600 households nearest the plant.