Appalachia

The Times West Virginian
June 28, 2014
Judge defends secrecy in spill company bankruptcy
Associated Press Sat Jun 28, 2014

CHARLESTON — A judge has defended his decision to let the company that spilled chemicals into West Virginia’s biggest drinking water supply file some financial statements out of public view.

According to The Charleston Gazette, Bankruptcy Judge Ronald Pearson in Charleston wrote Thursday that Freedom Industries should provide periodic updates on the Charleston spill site cleanup.

“Given the public nature of this case, the court feels a responsibility to ensure the public that the environmental issues are being dealt with responsibly and that the bankruptcy process continue with full recognition and compliance with laws that protect the environment and public safety, all of which are to be adhered to in this and any bankruptcy case,” Pearson wrote.

In April, Pearson signed an order requiring periodic future budget plans, but letting them remain shielded from disclosure from the public. The spending plans give the court an idea of what Freedom expects to spend, how much cash they could have and what will be available for environmental cleanup....

- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/westvirginia/x1736689010/Judge-defends-secrecy-in-spill-company-bankruptcy#sthash.3i5RTDgH.dpuf