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ExxonMobil Knew in 1984 MTBE Would Contaminate Ground

AP -- A chemical additive to gasoline meant to make it burn more thoroughly poses a long-term threat of contamination in New Hampshire, a witness testified at the trial of ExxonMobil Corp. (XOM)
Dr. Graham Fogg, a professor of hydrology at the University of California, Davis, took the stand yesterday in state court in Concord as the first witness in the state’s $816 million lawsuit. New Hampshire sued oil companies for allegedly using the additive, MTBE, while knowing its potential for groundwater pollution as long as 29 years ago.
“A problem like this is not going to disappear in a mere 6 years or 16 years or, I would say, 26 years,” Fogg testified.
ExxonMobil and Citgo Petroleum Corp. said the additive, meant to reduce air pollution, never caused illness to any resident of New Hampshire.

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Submitted Jan 16, 2013 By: mastermariner

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drpepperTX Champion Author Texas Posts:8,934 Points:751,010 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 8:58:37 PM Ignore drpepperTX Report Abuse LOL, nsdp says "The problem is the poor quality of tanks the oil companies used. Anne Gorsuch and Ronald Reagan are responsible for the lax regulations. The oil companies knew they should use better tanks that would not leak but didn't. EPA said they didn't have to." ========================== Ok, which was responsible for the regulations, Reagan or the EPA? You crack me up!
virostek Veteran Author Virginia Posts:423 Points:90,285 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 8:11:52 AM Ignore virostek Report Abuse Wow.
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:6,958 Points:2,115,665 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 6:49:53 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse As would a whole host of other chemicals...
DrCashFlow Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:7,059 Points:1,625,275 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 5:00:53 AM Ignore DrCashFlow Report Abuse Big oil gives me a big boil
PDQBlues Champion Author San Diego Posts:7,064 Points:1,446,375 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:53:43 PM Ignore PDQBlues Report Abuse Oh course Exxon knew for many decades the problems with MTBE contamination of ground water. They just figured that it was financially more beneficial in the short term to just ignore the problem and jeopardize the health of people then to deal with it appropriately.
nsdp Champion Author San Antonio Posts:1,117 Points:47,290 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 6:49:04 PM Ignore nsdp Report Abuse The problem is the poor quality of tanks the oil companies used. Anne Gorsuch and Ronald Reagan are responsible for the lax regulations. The oil companies knew they should use better tanks that would not leak but didn't. EPA said they didn't have to.
SUV2009 Champion Author Orlando Posts:4,408 Points:1,141,365 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 5:34:59 PM Ignore SUV2009 Report Abuse Okay
tutaw Champion Author Kentucky Posts:3,590 Points:840,795 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 4:07:46 PM Ignore tutaw Report Abuse Really?
CostEngineer Veteran Author Sacramento Posts:255 Points:140,705 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 2:58:42 PM Ignore CostEngineer Report Abuse Companies must face bad news head on (and foster that throughout their organizations) or face worse penalties later. The cover up is always worse then the crime.
ziyulu Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:8,489 Points:1,600,925 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 1:47:29 PM Ignore ziyulu Report Abuse I knew in 1984 that gasoline would cause air pollution.
mastermariner Champion Author Texas Posts:4,247 Points:493,010 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 1:01:58 PM Ignore mastermariner Report Abuse Ironic
EMoe57 Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:4,607 Points:1,014,090 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 12:52:58 PM Ignore EMoe57 Report Abuse interesting
GatorGuy Champion Author Columbia Posts:2,225 Points:1,205,560 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 12:07:36 PM Ignore GatorGuy Report Abuse bad news. Indirectly caused by government blanket mandates?
crep1291 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,576 Points:480,635 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 11:51:52 AM Ignore crep1291 Report Abuse "The EPA mandated oxygenated gasoline. The EPA authorized use of MTBE in gasoline to provide that oxygenation. Why is the state suing the oil companies? Because they are trying to "greenmail" ExxonMobil and Citgo Petroleum into settling this suit for a good payout. This is a meritless case, and I can only hope that it gets thrown out of court. Of course, since its the state against EVIL oil companies, a jury would undoubtedly give the state money." Just because the use of a dangerous chemical is authorized doesn't mean you're not responsible for cleaning up any mess you cause.
CapriceWagon All-Star Author Washington Posts:929 Points:477,020 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 11:22:59 AM Ignore CapriceWagon Report Abuse It seems to me the EPA caused this, why is Exxon footing the bill?
bull2010 Sophomore Author Houston Posts:137 Points:455,680 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:53:19 AM Ignore bull2010 Report Abuse Im sure it causes cancer,s & harms environment, wildlife,ect. So did the co,s & government. Get rid of so much oil useage & the greed level will go down.
357revo Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:18,113 Points:2,382,655 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:32:14 AM Ignore 357revo Report Abuse The EPA mandated oxygenated gasoline. The EPA authorized use of MTBE in gasoline to provide that oxygenation. Why is the state suing the oil companies? Because they are trying to "greenmail" ExxonMobil and Citgo Petroleum into settling this suit for a good payout. This is a meritless case, and I can only hope that it gets thrown out of court. Of course, since its the state against EVIL oil companies, a jury would undoubtedly give the state money.
LuckyD43 Champion Author Long Island Posts:31,985 Points:2,166,120 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:31:07 AM Ignore LuckyD43 Report Abuse This situation gives us one hell of a choice, either we have clean air or pure uncontaminated water. God I wish there was a way we could have BOTH.
Janetique Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:1,134 Points:744,165 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:25:08 AM Ignore Janetique Report Abuse Unfortunately this is not the first time a corporation has hidden known dangers.
CheckitoutGuy Champion Author San Diego Posts:1,311 Points:769,590 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:23:59 AM Ignore CheckitoutGuy Report Abuse Hope they find some definitive answers and solutions during this debate. Yes and I know that is not what the legal system is about - it is a bout making trial lawyers rich - but let me dream of a better day! [Edited by: CheckitoutGuy at 1/16/2013 10:25:43 AM EST]
geezrtek Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,896 Points:430,535 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:23:07 AM Ignore geezrtek Report Abuse We'll See
CPGas1815 Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,027 Points:1,099,605 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:18:30 AM Ignore CPGas1815 Report Abuse Global polluters such as the oil industry are not only poisoning our planet they are poisoning the water we need to survive.
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,814 Points:500,660 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:17:26 AM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse Ok....
ZeroBoxes Champion Author Mississippi Posts:1,069 Points:210,640 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:17:02 AM Ignore ZeroBoxes Report Abuse Business morals....just shaking my head...
nickatnite Veteran Author Indianapolis Posts:370 Points:277,215 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:16:48 AM Ignore nickatnite Report Abuse I have an idea. Obama should ban fossil fuels by executive order. That's the ticket!
BudsterMO Champion Author Kansas City Posts:3,700 Points:701,980 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:16:21 AM Ignore BudsterMO Report Abuse XOM thought no one would notice and therefore they could get away with contaminating the ground and statue of limitations would apply. Wrong.
dockersbin Veteran Author Virginia Beach Posts:407 Points:259,635 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:14:30 AM Ignore dockersbin Report Abuse BUt yet their profits are still up. Have to keep those fat cats at the top rich and fat
babyjudy Champion Author Tucson Posts:2,721 Points:559,785 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:13:12 AM Ignore babyjudy Report Abuse There is no perfect world.
Lologogo Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,299 Points:353,465 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:13:05 AM Ignore Lologogo Report Abuse "it hasn't made anyone sick" according to the oil companies. Do you believe them? If your faucet water was foul and putrid smelling , would you say that you were ok with that? Do you think NH is out of line? I don't.
OldMan322 Champion Author Illinois Posts:5,145 Points:1,592,790 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:10:35 AM Ignore OldMan322 Report Abuse "madison8359" Nothing new
PDN57 All-Star Author San Bernardino Posts:705 Points:133,895 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:10:08 AM Ignore PDN57 Report Abuse I wonder who is going to have to pay for this one
rjoeh Champion Author Michigan Posts:7,076 Points:2,468,490 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:10:03 AM Ignore rjoeh Report Abuse This supports notion that newer is not always better.
mysub Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:8,901 Points:2,328,515 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:09:48 AM Ignore mysub Report Abuse Make them pay.
Diesel_Ram Champion Author Dallas Posts:6,492 Points:1,516,510 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:08:34 AM Ignore Diesel_Ram Report Abuse This is going to be interesting.
msgt_usa Champion Author Virginia Posts:3,459 Points:930,925 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:08:24 AM Ignore msgt_usa Report Abuse The damages awarded will go to the lawyers.
JENNYHK Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,631 Points:711,595 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:08:06 AM Ignore JENNYHK Report Abuse This makes me feel sad.
queenieIN All-Star Author Gary Posts:624 Points:264,480 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:07:56 AM Ignore queenieIN Report Abuse They knew.
Insuremn Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:4,942 Points:1,029,060 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:07:17 AM Ignore Insuremn Report Abuse If they lose make certain the damages awarded go the victims and not government coffers.
nemoFL Champion Author Florida Posts:8,791 Points:1,608,325 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:07:14 AM Ignore nemoFL Report Abuse well that just sucks
Costello Champion Author South Dakota Posts:1,401 Points:1,152,490 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:07:07 AM Ignore Costello Report Abuse Once again...money more important than lives!!!
Delight777 Sophomore Author Cleveland Posts:228 Points:356,745 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:06:33 AM Ignore Delight777 Report Abuse Not good.
dopster Champion Author Toledo Posts:7,263 Points:2,290,300 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:06:02 AM Ignore dopster Report Abuse Gotta love that "corporate welfare" loving Big Oil!
I5Don Veteran Author California Posts:320 Points:1,571,970 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:06:02 AM Ignore I5Don Report Abuse Duh it has been said for years. Gov't knew when they told oil companies to use it. EPA should be the one's on trial.
regout Champion Author Quebec Posts:2,950 Points:831,730 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:05:49 AM Ignore regout Report Abuse Sure they did.
momof5MN Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:4,044 Points:213,810 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:05:00 AM Ignore momof5MN Report Abuse Hmmmmm.
RichWLIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,084 Points:636,915 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:04:45 AM Ignore RichWLIN Report Abuse Of course they did.
rasprout Champion Author Tacoma Posts:3,367 Points:1,219,910 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:04:35 AM Ignore rasprout Report Abuse It gets rather annoying to see businesses make chemicals that are meant for a specific purpose use them for something different that causes harm. What happened to holding business accountable for the errors of their ways. You damage or you harm you fix!
JamesCalvin Champion Author Lancaster Posts:3,176 Points:517,505 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:04:05 AM Ignore JamesCalvin Report Abuse Who cares about underground drinking water purity when so many are disguising franking contamination with beer and other beverages?
rocknvox All-Star Author Bakersfield Posts:679 Points:137,775 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:03:54 AM Ignore rocknvox Report Abuse BELIEVE ME, WHOEVER MADE THE DECISION TO USE THE DANGEROUS ADDITIVE KNEW THEY WOULD BE LONG GONE BEFORE IT CAME TO LIGHT.
HEBster Champion Author Kentucky Posts:8,778 Points:2,372,075 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:03:34 AM Ignore HEBster Report Abuse Not just NH...