Shell Oil Company and Hoechst Celanese Corporation Settlement Reaches $850 Million

Strategic Insights -

Homeowners and property owners across the United States may be eligible to receive funds as part of a recently negotiated settlement to replace plastic plumbing and yard service lines. The settlement, reached on July 31 and preliminarily approved by a Tennessee Court, involves Shell Oil Company and Hoechst Celanese Corporation committing $850 million to replace polybutylene (PB) pipes and compensate for related damages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The settlement addresses polybutylene (PB) pipes with metal or acetal insert fittings, used in mobile homes, housing, hotels, and motels, particularly in the South and West.
  • Shell and Hoechst Celanese supplied raw materials for the manufacture of specific PB plumbing components.
  • The companies deny any liability related to polybutylene plumbing.
  • Homeowners can contact the class counsel at P.O. Box 175, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-0175 or by calling 1-800-876-4698.
  • The settlement applies to certain areas, including the District of Columbia, Tennessee, and Texas.
  • Shell and Hoechst Celanese agree to fund the replacement of specific plastic plumbing systems that have leaked and damages related to these leaks.
  • The companies are not admitting liability through this settlement.

Statistics:

  • $850 million: The total amount Shell Oil Company and Hoechst Celanese Corporation have committed for the replacement of certain plastic plumbing systems and compensation for leak-related damages.
  • July 31: The date the settlement was reached in Cox v. Shell Oil Company, et al.
  • 202-223-8700: The phone number for the settling parties in Cox v. Shell Oil Company, et al.
  • 1-800-876-4698: The phone number for homeowners to contact the class counsel.
  • P.O. Box 175, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-0175: The address for homeowners to contact the class counsel.

Sources:

  • Press release issued by the settling parties in Cox v. Shell Oil Company, et al.
  • Tennessee Court (unspecified name or location)
  • In re Cox v. Shell P.O. Box 175 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-0175