In the small town of Bokoshe, Oklahoma, toxic coal ash is unloaded in large truck loads by a local power plant. And after years of battling illnesses and gridlocked, bureaucratic state authorities on the hazardous civic problem, its residents have filed a class action lawsuit against over 20 businesses and individuals associated with the dumping zone, including the power plant’s owner/ international energy powerhouse AES Corporation.
Town residents involved in the lawsuit say the coal ash (also known as fly ash) has riddled their small community with elevated instances of cancer and respiratory diseases. Out of the 30 households in the nearest proximity to the dumping grounds, over one half have suffered cancer, according to reporting by News 6. Over 500 individuals residing in Bokoshe, or within three miles of the dump zone, are part of the lawsuit. In addition, those involved have put together an advocacy group and an accompanying web site with information and videos regarding the lawsuit and its surrounding circumstances. The suit alleges that the defendants oversaw the disposal of toxic waste into a residential area, and also launched efforts to deceive the local community with misinformation about the health risks associated with the dumping activities. Its goal is to stop the dumping, clean the area of waste, and provide remuneration for the treatment of any illnesses resulting from the exposure or damages to property.
A Bokoshe resident told News 6 that the lawsuit is about community safety and corporate responsibility. This story is a reminder that all community members must speak up and bond together in the face of injustice. If you’ve been injured by the negligent actions of another party in Oklahoma, contact the Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys with the Maples Law Firm at (405) 705-5050 for a complimentary consultation.
