WR Grace Defendants Get Separate Trials -- MesoLink.org -- 07-19-06

Two of the seven WR Grace executives being charged in connection with the health risks tied to the company’s former vermiculite plant have been granted separate trials by a judge. The vermiculite plant, now obsolete, was found to be responsible for causing ill health and fatal illnesses among workers and locals in the area.

The company and seven executives from the company were charged due to the problems and ill health that resulted from the airborne fibers and debris that came from the plant, with hundreds becoming seriously ill and even dying as the result of the problems.

The executives and the company were charged with conspiring to hide the dangers of the vermiculite mine, and previously all of the executives involved in the charges and trial had asked if they could each have separate trials.

A judge has now stated that two of the seven, Alan Stringer and Mario Favorito, will be granted separate trials as requested. However, none of the other executives have been granted this, and the main trial is due to go ahead in September.