CVR ENERGY, INC. (CVI)

[Francis Beane]

Coffeyville refinery sued over flooding spill


Story Created: Aug 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM CDT

WICHITA, Kansas, August 21, 2008 (AP) - Several businesses and residents are suing Coffeyville refinery in federal court seeking more than $4.39 million in damages caused by an oil slick during the July 2007 flood.

The lawsuit claims that when employees left the refinery as flood waters rose they failed to close a valve, allowing more than 90,000 gallons of crude oil, diesel and other pollutants to spill out.

The plaintiffs say the Verdigris River carried a sheen of oil extending 10 miles down the river into Oklahoma. They claim that in addition to damage to homes, businesses, livestock or crops, the contamination also caused loss of income and other expenses.

Coffeyville Resources Refining and Marketing says in a statement that the lawsuit claims are among the few that it has been unable to settle. The refinery says the claims are best resolved in Coffeyville, not federal court.


http://www.ksn.com/news/local/27234469.html