Source: http://www.insurancejournal.com, May 10, 2016
The city of Bozeman, Mont., a housing developer and an engineering firm have reached a $7.5 million settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed by homeowners who said the city approved a subdivision near a former landfill that is leaking fumes and damaging their property values.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported the city commission was asked this week to approve the settlement for property owners in the Bridger Creek Phase III neighborhood.
A majority of the settlement will be covered by city insurers. Developer Golf Course Partners and the engineering firm Morrison-Maierle together will contribute $2.5 million. The city’s portion not covered by insurance is $750,000.
Two studies, one done by a federal health agency, concluded health risks from the fumes attributable to the landfill are minimal.
Attorneys for the developer and the engineering firm deny their clients are at fault.