Proposed Bankruptcy Settlement Includes $80M for Passaic River, New Jersey
APRIL 24, 2023 — A proposed bankruptcy settlement for Maxus Energy Corp. was filed on April 7, 2023. The proposed settlement includes approximately $80 million to NOAA and the U.S. Department of the Interior related to natural resource damages claims in connection with the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site (Lower Passaic River, New Jersey). The settlement also includes approximately $80 million for the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Lower Passaic River and Greater Newark Bay area has a history of industrial contamination. Several Superfund sites are located here. More than 70 facilities have released contaminants, including dioxins/furans, PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, and heavy metals. Maxus Energy is a potentially responsible party for pollution at the site.
The U.S. Department of Justice is accepting public comments until May 15, 2023. Additional details are available in the Federal Register Notice and on the DOJ website.