Winning Attorneys in Clay Pollution Suit to Receive $3.8 Million

Attorneys representing environmental groups in their win against a clay manufacturer that allegedly discharged pollutants into rivers in southern California will receive $3.8 million in attorneys’ fees, a federal judge ruled.

The firm had requested $4.9 million for its fees and other litigation costs.

Inland Empire Waterkeeper and Orange County Coastkeeper sued Corona Clay Co. in 2018 for discharging pollutants into Temescal Creek, the Santa Ana River, and the Pacific Ocean. A first jury trial found in favor of Corona, but the Ninth Circuit vacated that judgment and remanded for proceedings consistent with a US Supreme Court ruling. A ...