Law: Briefs: Jul. 27, 1981

GASOLINE ALLEY

In November 1980, residents of the Denver suburb of Northglenn began noticing the pungent smell of gasoline throughout their homes. Explosions began lifting 200-lb. manhole covers off the ground. An investigation showed that the gas had leaked from the underground tanks of a nearby Chevron service station and found its way into the water table as well as sewer lines serving six residential blocks. Forty-one families in the area, which residents dubbed "Gasoline Alley," sued Chevron for damages. Last week the oil company settled out of court for what could amount to a record $6 million —about three times the...

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