"U.S. Says Chemtura To Pay $26 Million Over Toxic Sites"

"Chemtura Corp, a producer of specialty chemicals, will pay $26 million to clean up 17 contaminated sites located in 14 U.S. states, under an agreement announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The settlement resolves claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that Chemtura violated federal environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

It requires approval by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber in New York, who is overseeing Chemtura's Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. Chemtura is based in Middlebury, Connecticut.

The 17 properties include 12 on the EPA's list of the most serious hazardous waste sites requiring cleanup."

Jonathan Stempel reports for Reuters August 25, 2010.