BREAKING: Seven Madison families file suit against Kipp for contamination of homes

Following the discovery of a chemical contaminant beneath their homes last May, seven families on Marquette Street have filed a lawsuit against Madison-Kipp Corporation, claiming the company served as the source of contamination.

Residents of homes on the 100 block of South Marquette Street were first notified of the contamination last spring, when contaminated soil vapors from previous PCE spills at Kipp were detected under several homes.

The contaminant, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), is a volatile human carcinogen that can potentially lead to cancer and liver problems over a lifetime of exposure.

The families also contend the manufacturer has failed to clean up the contamination that allegedly has now seeped in under their homes, and into the groundwater below, for more than 15 years.

The lawsuit calls for an investigation of the contamination within the neighborhood and a clean-up of contaminants found on their properties. The families also seek punitive damages for Kipp’s failure to notify and protect them, as well as payment for damage to their property.

A press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m. today at the home of Deanna Schneider, one of the plaintiffs, at 150 S. Marquette Street.

For additional information regarding the Kipp contamination, see our coverage of the story in May, here.