International Paper Chemical Release Class Action Certified

International Paper Co. will face a class action by Louisiana residents who were allegedly injured by the release of a pulp mill byproduct, a federal court in Louisiana ruled.

Shirley Slocum and other residents of Bogalusa, La., adequately stated liability class claims that the paper manufacturer negligently exposed them to “black liquor” from a ruptured tank at the Bogalusa Paper Mill, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana said May 21.

Black liquor is a potentially toxic byproduct of wood residues and inorganic chemicals used to convert wood pulp into paper.

The plaintiffs met all six requirements ...