U.S. judge approves $ 626m water settlement in Flint, Michigan | Water Issues

The case became a symbol of racial inequality when it affected a city where more than half were black people.

A federal judge in the United States has agreed and $ 626m stability for those affected by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, in a case in which thousands of people have been affected by the water crisis. defiled water.

Flint’s crisis began in 2014 when the city relocated from Huron Lake to Flint River to reduce costs. Polluted river water caused river water to run off, polluting drinking water and causing Legionnaires’ disease.

“The solution that I have come up with is a very good one for a number of reasons, even the smallest one is that it puts an end to the compulsion process and time to meet with everyone who is qualified,” said Judith Levy of the U.S. State in a 178-page ruling.

The Flint water crisis was one of the biggest health problems in the country recently remembered.

The case became a symbol of racial inequality in the US as it plagued a city with more than half of the 100,000 black people.

The abuse led to a number of lawsuits from parents alleging that their children were displaying dangerous levels of lead, which could lead to adult development. Lead can be toxic, and children are especially at risk.

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has been charged in January with two counts of willful negligence in connection with the killing of drinking water in Flint.

Payment for the verdict approved on Wednesday will be made based on a system that directs large sums of money to minor complainants and those who may show serious injuries.

The attorney general of Michigan has previously stated that the settlement would be the largest in the history of the state.

“While this is a great achievement for Flint, we have measures in place to prevent Americans from contracting toxins in their homes, schools, and workplaces,” Corey Stern, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in a statement. the order of the judge.

The old plumbing pipe broke and flowed to the pump in Flint, Michigan [Rebecca Cook/Reuters]

The agreement was announced in August 2020 Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, both Democrats, were elected in 2018 while the cases were pending.

It makes money available to every Flint kid who has water, any adult who could show injury, other business owners and anyone who has paid water bills.

Flint is paying $ 20m to address the issue, while McLaren Health is paying $ 5m, and a technology company, Rowe Professional Services, is paying $ 1.25m.

Flint made a major change to the Detroit Water Board in October 2015 after Dr Mona Hanna-Attisha publicly announced the amount of lead in children.