Hagens Berman, Bliven Law Firm, and Heenan & Cook Resolve Groundwater Legal Claims in Oregon’s Lower Umatilla Basin Ground Water Management Area (LUBGWMA) with Lamb Weston, Continues to Pursue Claims Against Remaining Defendants

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hagens Berman and its co-counsel, Bliven Law Firm and Heenan & Cook, announced today that they have resolved legal claims related to groundwater in the Lower Umatilla Basin Ground Water Management Area (LUBGWMA) area with Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., including its subsidiary, Lamb Weston, Inc.

Under the agreement, Lamb Weston, which continues to dispute the claims but believes reaching a resolution allows the company to focus its resources on advancing practical, long-term solutions for the region, will pay $25 million into a settlement fund to assist homeowners and others in obtaining property enhancements including deeper wells, water filtration systems, and funds to pay water bills for residents who connect to city water systems. In addition, the company will continue using numerous water management best practices in alignment with DEQ requirements and recommendations, including practices related to nitrogen management.

The agreement resolves the contested litigation involving Lamb Weston, while claims against other defendants remain.

“We appreciate Lamb Weston’s commitment to the community reflected in this settlement,” said Steve Berman, managing partner and founder of Hagens Berman and co-counsel for the proposed class of plaintiffs. “Our work, however, is not over, and we will continue working with the remaining defendants.”

The LUBGWMA was created by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in 1990 to address elevated nitrate levels found in drinking water. It covers 562 square miles in northern Morrow and Umatilla counties and is home to approximately 45,000 residents, including thousands with private wells.

Settlement Information for Residents

Residents do not need to take any action at this time. If the court grants preliminary approval of the settlement, a settlement website will be established by a court-appointed settlement administrator, and eligible residents will be notified with further information.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. Since its founding in 1993, the firm’s determination has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of “Most Feared Plaintiff’s Firm,” MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.