NJ To Get $130 Million in Passaic River Litigation

New Jersey will receive $130 million from several international companies to settle some claims related to the contamination of the Passaic River.

The settlement clears the way for the state to immediately proceed with its claims against the principal defendant, Occidental Chemical Corporation, for the bulk of the state's damages and future costs on the former site of the Diamond Shamrock plant.  These costs and damages are separate from and in addition to the $130 million received from those who've already settled.

The proposed settlement still needs court approval.  State officials refused further comment on the deal since the State and the settling defendants technically remain in litigation.