MB&C represents a class of persons who filed suit against the Jefferson Parish Landfill (the “Landfill”), for causing foul and offensive odors from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 that were so widespread and pervasive they disrupted the lives of residents in Waggaman, Avondale, Harahan, River Ridge, and South Kenner. The case is Ictech-Bendeck v. Waste Connections Bayou, Inc., No. 18-7889 c/w 18-8071, 18-8218, 18-9312, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

MB&C and co-counsel successfully negotiated a partial settlement with one of the defendants, the Parish of Jefferson, which is the owner of the Landfill. The Court has preliminarily approved the proposed Settlement Agreement. The Court will have a hearing to decide whether to give final approval to the settlement so that payments can be made from the settlement fund. The Final Approval Hearing has been scheduled for March 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm CST at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Honorable Susie Morgan presiding, located at 500 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130.

The Settlement Agreement, if approved, will create a Fund of $4,500,000 for the benefit of the Settlement Class. The Court Appointed Neutral will recommend to the Court that at least 50% of the settlement fund, plus the interest accrued thereon, be reserved to pay (a) litigation and settlement costs, (b) attorneys' fees for work in litigating the case and obtaining settlement, and (c) awards for Class Representatives and trial representatives. Any funds remaining after paying individual claims, litigation and settlement costs, attorneys' fees, and awards for Class Representatives and trial representatives will not be given back to the Parish of Jefferson. The amount of each payment to claimants will be based, in part, on the total number of claims received and on the extent of damages suffered. The exact amount received from the settlement cannot be determined at this time.

Generally, you may be a Class Member if you lived or resided in the Class Area from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. The Class Area Map is included in the Settlement Agreement and can also be viewed here. Those included in the class action, together called a “Class,” may ask for a payment, or may exclude themselves from, or object to, the settlement, and eligible Class members may receive a payment from it. The only way to ask for and receive a payment from this settlement is to submit a claim. Claims must be postmarked/submitted on or before March 20, 2025. If you would like to submit a claim, or would like more information about the proposed Settlement Agreement or any applicable instructions or deadlines, please visit https://www.jplandfillclass.com/.

If you have any questions about the proposed Settlement Agreement, or the ongoing litigation against the remaining defendants, please contact our firm.