The Oklahoman reportsthat oilfield goliath Halliburton is offering settlements to property owners in Duncan, Oklahoma, after the chemical compound ammonium perchlorate showed up in their private wells. The settlements have been a long time coming—testing found pollution from spent rocket fuel in Duncan’s groundwater four years ago. But as the trial date neared, Halliburton decided that settling with Duncan’s residents was a safer course of action.
Halliburton has offered settlements to 130 plaintiffs involving more than 80 properties in Duncan. The oil company refused to comment on the settlements, as litigation is still ongoing. Some Duncan residents are still holding out for a better offer from Halliburton.