Judge rules against Plains All American over Illinois pipeline spill

An Illinois federal judge has refused to dismiss a class-action lawsuit filed against Plains All american Pipeline Co. over a 2015 pipeline spill near East St. Louis.

U.S. District Judge Staci M. Yandle made the ruling in the lawsuit filed by some residents of Highland, Illinois after the 4,200 gallon oil spill polluted the town’s drinking water system.

The judge denied the pipeline company’s request to dismiss the case, writing “the violation of a statue or ordinance designed for the protection of human life or property is prima facie evidence of negligence.”

The residents who sued contend Plains All American had knowledge and forewarning of problems with the pipeline  and failed to take action to prevent the pipeline failure.

The Illinois incident was one of several pipeline spills involving Plains All American, a firm based in Texas.