A federal judge says he won't certify a complaint against Whirlpool Corp. as a class-action lawsuit because he is not sure whether residents of a polluted Arkansas neighborhood or the company is the driving force behind it.
The Southwest Times Record reported Thursday that U.S. District Judge P.K. Holmes III rejected a joint motion seeking class-action status and the approval of a proposed settlement.
A degreasing solvent leaked into groundwater near the plant, reducing property values. Benton Harbor, Michigan-based Whirlpool closed the plant in 2012.
Holmes said it appeared lawyers for residents and the company appear engaged in settlement negotiations rather than litigating or conducting discovery. He questioned whether a class-action is necessary and didn't address the merits of a proposed settlement.
