The Collins Law Firm, P.C.
| 1770 N. Park Street Suite 200 Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 527-1595 |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Cannata v. Forest Preserve, et. al. |
The firm, on behalf of families in unincorporated DuPage County near Carol Stream and Bartlett, filed a lawsuit in federal court on
April 20, 2006, against the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and BFI Waste Systems of America, alleging that a nearby landfill
("Mallard Lakes"), owned by the Forest Preserve District and operated by BFI, is the source of dangerous chemical contamination
recently discovered in the families' water supply.
The lawsuit, brought by Tyanna and Jeff Cannata for themselves and other affected families, alleges that a known human carcinogen
known as “vinyl chloride” has leaked from the Mallard Lakes Landfill and contaminated the groundwater beneath their homes, which
serves as the source of the water these families use for drinking, bathing and cooking. Vinyl chloride has been discovered in testing
conducted both at the families’ homes and at the Landfill. The suit claims that at least 80 families are currently known to be affected
by the contamination, and that, as further tests are conducted, this number may well increase.
On October 11, 2006, the Honorable Judge William J. Hibbler issued a ruling that allows the case to proceed as a class action, and to
proceed on behalf of approximately 150 residents living in the area where the groundwater contamination was discovered.
To view our Responses to the defendants’ Motions for Summary Judgment, click here: Memorandum in Opposition (filed on
10/29/2007) and Supplemental Memorandum (filed on 2/19/2008).
USEPA Involvement:
- Recent information from the USEPA concerning their investigation of the Mallard Lakes Landfill can be seen here.
- A copy of USEPA's 11/20/07 News Release can be seen here.
- The USEPA's Site Profile can be reached here.
A copy of the 10/12/06 class action ruling can be seen here.
A copy of the Complaint can be seen here.
More information on vinyl chloride can be obtained from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Click for recent news articles about our case:
If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please contact Shawn Collins or Edward Manzke, at (630) 527-1595. Or
email us at smc@collinslaw.com or ejmanzke@collinslaw.com.
| Scenes from our April 20, 2006 Press Conference |