BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Landowners in eastern Montana have filed a lawsuit alleging Exxon Mobil Corp. ignored warnings leading up to a pipeline break that spilled an estimated 1,500 barrels of crude oil into the Yellowstone River.
Friday’s lawsuit filed in state District Court in Gallatin County claims the spill could have been avoided if Exxon followed the lead of other companies and shut down its pipe during severe flooding last July.
The 14 plaintiffs are seeking unspecified compensation for their losses and punitive damages as a deterrent against future spills. They claim they suffered damage to property and livestock operations, and health problems from exposure to oil.
An Exxon spokesman says he can’t immediately comment on the lawsuit.
The suit also names pipeline builder Barnard Construction Co. of Bozeman as a defendant.
