State Seeks $1.8M From Bankrupt West Virginia Spill Company

The state of West Virginia is seeking $1.8 million from the bankrupt company that spilled chemicals into the state’s largest water supply.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed the claim in bankruptcy court in Charleston.

The claim against Freedom Industries covers multiple agencies’ spill response efforts, including personnel costs, clean water supplies, research and testing.

The Department of Health and Human Resources is seeking more than $940,000, the most of the agencies.

The claim does not cover the state Department of Environmental Protection. The agency’s separate filing says Freedom is still liable for site cleanup under state orders.

Claimants had until Aug. 1 to file with the court. Freedom’s resources have dwindled during bankruptcy and site cleanup.

Freedom’s January spill contaminated tap water for 300,000 people for days.