EDWARDSVILLE — Roxana and Wood River refineries are accused of contaminating the air, soil and water, which allegedly resulted in a lifelong resident's wrongful death.
Rachel Newby, individually and as special representative for the Estate of Jill Schneider, filed a complaint Sept. 29 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Shell Oil Company, BP Products North America, Inc., Conocophillips Company, Phillips 66 Company, Premcor Engineering Group, Inc., Apex Oil Company, Inc., Atlantic Richfield Company, Sinclair Oil Corporation, formerly known as Sinclair Refining Company, Equilon Enterprises LLC, doing business as Shell Oil Products, and Turtle Wax, Inc., alleging negligence and willful, wrongful death and wanton misconduct.
According to the complaint, Schneider was raised and lived in Roxana and Wood River since her birth in 1963. Newby alleges that Schneider, who spent "much of her time" at the local pool and park facilities, was exposed to benzene and "certain benzene-containing" materials and fumes that came from the defendants' refineries and pipelines.
She also claims the defendants' pollution of the air, surface water, soil and groundwater, caused Schneider to develop Myelodysplastic Syndrome and led to her "shortened life expectancy and death." As a result, Schneider allegedly endured pain and suffering and incurred medical expenses.
Newby seeks monetary relief of more than $50,000 and all other appropriate relief. She is represented by Christopher Dysart of The Dysart Law Firm PC in Chesterfield, Mo.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 20-L-001380