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WINNSBORO, S.C. (WIS) – A Winnsboro farmer is suing <a href="https://healthylife7.com/arizonas-sen-gallego-criticizes-trumps-healthcare-coverage-cuts/” title=”Arizona's Sen. Gallego criticizes Trump's healthcare coverage cuts”>Healthcare SC, LLC, the owner of an MLILY factory that was destroyed in a massive fire
According to a lawsuit filed Friday, plaintiff Amy Bates is suing MLily USA and its Chinese parent companies following a 48-hour fire at the Winnsboro mattress factory that began on Aug. 16
Court documents state Bates lives and farms on about one acre of land in Ridgeway, roughly 10 miles from the facility
According to the lawsuit, the fire consumed massive amounts of petroleum-derived, combustible chemicals and finished foam. Bates claims this released carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide gas, and fine particulate matter into the surrounding community, contaminating her land, crops, and a neighboring creek
Due to the fire, the lawsuit states the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) is actively testing local watervironmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitored air quality in the area for hazardous gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide
On the advice of the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Bates canceled outstanding crop orders to several Columbia restaurants and spent three days manually removing debris while wearing protective gear
Healthcare SC is being sued for trespass, private nuisance, strict liability, and gross negligence. The suit cites claims from employees who allege that management ignored safety concerns and patched over broken equipment
Bates is seeking class-action status for the lawsuit, which would allow other residents affected by the fire to seek compensation for cleanup costs, business losses, and punitive damages
Prominent Midlands lawyer Dick Harpootlian is representing Bates in the case
While not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, Fairfield County released a statement acknowledging the filing, noting they cannot comment on the merits of the allegations
Fairfield County is actively working with the responding state agencies involved in the monitoring, assessment, and cleanup efforts following the fire incident at the Healthcare SC facility
The County understands the concerns of residents and the agricultural community regarding potential impacts related to air quality, runoff and particulate debris or ash that may have settled on nearby farmland and plants. Fairfield County is supporting the ongoing response and investigation and is coordinating with the appropriate state agencies as they assess these concerns and determine the necessary remediation measures
Healthcare SC has transitioned the remediation and cleanup activities to outside consultants and continues to work with the state agencies conducting on-site monitoring and oversight
Fairfield County is also aware that a class action lawsuit has been filed by individuals who allege they were impacted by the incident. Because the matter is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, Fairfield County cannot comment on the merits or allegations of the lawsuit, nor can the County comment on matters that remain part of an ongoing investigation
The County will continue to cooperate with and support the appropriate state agencies as they conduct their monitoring, investigation and environmental assessments. Fairfield County will also provide assistance and coordination within its authority as appropriate
Our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of Fairfield County residents, farmers, businesses and the surrounding community. We recognize the concerns being raised and will continue to monitor the situation closely
Because the investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing, Fairfield County will defer to the appropriate state regulatory and environmental agencies regarding technical findings, testing results and specific remediation requirements and to the appropriate councils regarding the pending litigation
The County will communicate significant updates to the public as verified information becomes available, while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation and legal process
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