Delaware poultry processor faces class action lawsuit

(AP) – Nearly 700 people will be part of a class action lawsuit against a Delaware poultry processor over wastewater violations.

A partner at law firm Baird, Mandalas and Brockstedt, Chase Brockstedt, tells WBOC-TV the lawsuit against Mountaire Farms will be filed Wednesday.

Brockstedt says the plaintiffs must prove Mountaire’s wastewater discharge violations were negligent and reckless, causing injury and harm. The lawsuit’s demands include that the company overhaul its wastewater treatment plant and provide clean drinking water to those whose wells were affected. The law firm estimates remediation could exceed $150 million.

Mountaire entered into a consent decree with the state last week, but the law firm filed a motion to intervene, calling it inadequate. Mountaire filed a motion to strike that challenge Tuesday.

As for the lawsuit, a Mountaire spokesman says the company will comment after it reviews it.