Oil companies knew about the MTBE Problem

As early as 1980, internal documents from oil companies show MTBE's potential to exceed other gasoline components as a groundwater contaminant. In 1986, researchers in Maine recommended that MTBE be removed from gasoline after finding extremely high levels of MTBE in groundwater contaminated by gasoline with low MTBE concentrations. By 1987, oil companies were aware that MTBE was affecting ground water in areas that had no other gasoline components, yet continued to insist to the public that "MTBE is only slightly soluble in water," and that "studies did not indicate any evidence that MTBE poses an unreasonable risk to human health." These statements were made despite internal documents stating "MTBE is significantly more soluble in water…" and that MTBE "can extend farther and spread faster than a gasoline leak that does not include MTBE." These documents also noted MTBE is difficult to remove from groundwater. Other reports have indicated that MTBE is a possible human carcinogen.

Oil companies were busy misleading the public about the dangers of MTBE, while continuing to use it as a gasoline oxygenate, despite the availability of alternative, environmentally-sound oxygenates, all because MTBE was cheaper for them to use. Despite their awareness of MTBE's capacity to damage groundwater and the environment, they maintained their stance that MTBE was environmentally benign. The oil companies' lies have resulted in a national contamination crisis that will cost some $29 billion to clean up. If nothing is done to stop it, the cleanup costs will fall not on the oil companies responsible for the contamination, but on the municipalities, water suppliers, and private well owners whose water is no longer safe to drink.

Instead of burdening taxpayers in affected areas with the costs of removing MTBE from their drinking water, Weitz & Luxenberg will aggressively go after the oil companies responsible. We want to do what is best not only for our clients, but for the environment and future generations as well. You have a right to clean, safe drinking water, and Weitz & Luxenberg is a powerful ally to have on your side. If you or your municipality needs our help, please fill out this simple form, call us at (800) 476-6070 or email us at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

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see also:

Controversy MTBE Controversy
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What Big Oil Knew The Oil Companies knew about the dangers of MTBE
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