Several residents are claiming personal and property damages caused by harmful chemicals emitted from the International Paper Riverdale Mill, located on Dallas County Road 78. 

Filed on July 20, 2012, the lawsuit says several residential areas around the mill have been negatively affected with hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants and other harmful materials for several years. These chemicals, the suit claims, were released into waterways and soil around the plant.

Brett Turnball, attorney representing those who claim to be affected by the mill, said the case is still in its early stages.

“It’s hard for us to say at this point exactly the number of people who have been affected, but there have been people who have made allegations through this lawsuit,” said Turnull, who works with Farris, Riley & Pitt L.L.P. law firm, based out of Birmingham.

Right now, Turnball said his law firm is investigating and gathering claims to determine what areas of the community were allegedly affected.

Kevin McKie, attorney for Environmental Litigation Group, said other cases similar to this one have occurred throughout the state.

“There’s been one in Prattville and Wilcox County that have made similar claims of damaging chemical emissions,” McKie said. “It’s mostly just personal damage and property damage.”

The law firm representing International Paper is Ball, Ball & Novak, is based in Montgomery. A court date has not been set.