Grace Pleased with Decision on Montana Property Rights
W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) reported that the U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy for the District of Montana granted Kootenai Development Company (KDC) and W. R. Grace's Motion for Mediation, despite EPA's written and stated opposition in KDC's dispute with EPA over property rights in Libby, Montana. The parties are now ordered to mediate before Judge Edward Leavy in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
"We are gratified by this result as it confirms this to be a matter which requires discussion and ultimate resolution on reasonable terms," said Alan Stringer, KDC president. "The judge's order also confirms KDC and Grace's position that the removal action, and related disposal, is not an emergency but rather a situation meriting careful planning and consideration."
KDC and Grace offered to negotiate this matter informally on several occasions since last summer. Former Montana Governor Racicot graciously offered to mediate this dispute and KDC and Grace immediately accepted his invitation. Unfortunately, EPA rejected Grace's and the governor's offering.
"KDC and Grace look forward to participating in the mediation and pursuing a good faith agreement with EPA," said Stringer.
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