GADSDEN
Birmingham appraiser Richard Maloy defended his analysis of PCB-related property damages in western Anniston Wednesday during the Monsanto trial, after critical questioning from a defense attorney.
"I'll stand by it any day of the week," Maloy said, after Monsanto attorney Adam Peck questioned Maloy's analysis that contaminated areas in western Anniston became a liability to their owners in 1999. Maloy said Monsanto and Solutia placed an "environmental mortgage" on the properties of plaintiffs in the Bowie vs. Monsanto trial, who accuse the companies of polluting their properties and blood with PCBs.
Peck asked Maloy if he was aware that at least one of the plaintiffs is not required to pay cleanup costs, due to an EPA consent order signed by Solutia. The order requires the company to perform emergency cleanups at various locations based on the severity of the PCB contamination.
Maloy said, "That's a hypothetical." He explained that the EPA removal standard does not necessarily correlate to the comprehensive cleanup that the real estate market and future buyers may demand. "The EPA has a different mission than trying to clean up to the value of the property," he said.
Plaintiff attorney Donald Stewart told the Circuit Judge Joel Laird Wednesday afternoon that he may present more testimony today before wrapping up his case.
Barring any additional changes, the Monsanto defense is expected to begin presenting their witnesses today.
