Grabar Law Office files putative class action complaint against Amtrak and RWC, Inc. for damage sustained to residential properties near Amtrak rail lines in Philadelphia from spraying glyphosate on their vegetation and soil.
Specifically, as alleged in the complaint, the class action is brought on behalf of individuals whose residential properties are located near Amtrak rail lines in Philadelphia and who have suffered property damage as a result of Defendants’ use of herbicide to clear vegetation along these lines.
Amtrak operates a number of rail service routes that run through Philadelphia and offers passenger rail service from 30th Street Station, among other stations in Philadelphia. Amtrak’s rail lines run throughout the city and county of Philadelphia.
According to the complaint, Amtrak and its agent, Defendant RWC, Inc. (“RWC”), spray herbicide to kill vegetation lying along Amtrak rail lines. Unfortunately for Philadelphia residents, Amtrak and RWC do not exercise due care in the manner in which they spray herbicide. Further, Amtrak and RWC use the herbicide, AquaNeat, sold by Nufarm, Inc. (“Nufarm”). The primary ingredient in AquaNeat is glyphosate which is better known by one of its trade names, “Roundup.” Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide and plant desiccant. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a unit of the World Health Organization, issued a statement that glyphosate is a probable carcinogen.
As a result of Amtrak and RWC’s use of glyphosate-based herbicide and the manner in which they spray this herbicide, residential properties near Amtrak rail lines in Philadelphia have suffered damage to their vegetation and the deposition of glyphosate in their soils.
As a result of the foregoing wrongful conduct, Plaintiffs bring this class action seeking actual damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs for a class of similarly-situated persons who, like them, have been subjected to Defendants’ illegal practices, which constitute nuisance, trespass, and negligence under Pennsylvania law.
The case is J.S. Chen et. al., v. Amtrak et al., 2:18-cv-03617 (E.D. Pa.). To learn more, contact us today!
View the Complaint here: Complaint
