Curran v. Massachusetts Turnpike Authority

2 Mass. L. Rptr. 260
CourtMassachusetts Superior Court
DecidedJune 6, 1994
DocketNo. 92-3002-A
StatusPublished
Cited by1 cases

This text of 2 Mass. L. Rptr. 260 (Curran v. Massachusetts Turnpike Authority) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Massachusetts Superior Court primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Curran v. Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, 2 Mass. L. Rptr. 260 (Mass. Ct. App. 1994).

Opinion

Botsford, J.

The plaintiffs, Thomas P. Curran, Jr., (Mr. Curran) and J. Elizabeth Curran (Mrs. Curran) (referred to collectively as the Currans), bring this action to recover damages related to the contamination of the well water supply for their home in Charlton, Massachusetts. Plaintiffs allege that a release of oil or hazardous substances from the defendants’ property emanated to their property, causing the contamination of their well water supply. They bring claims of strict liability under G.L.c. 21E, §5(a)(iii), as well as claims of negligence, private nuisance and trespass. Additionally, plaintiffs seek attorney’s fees and expert witness fees as provided in G.L.c. 21E, §15. Defendants now move for partial summary judgment on the plaintiffs’ claims for emotional distress, future physical injuries, strict liability and attorneys fees. Defendant Mobil Oil Corporation (Mobil) joins with the other defendants in the partial summary judgment motion, and also files a supplemental motion for summary judgment on all remaining claims. For the reasons discussed below, defendants’ joint motion for partial summary judgment is DENIED in part, and ALLOWED, in part; Defendant Mobil’s supplemental motion for summary judgment is DENIED.

BACKGROUND

The following facts are taken from the parties’ submissions. They are essentially undisputed. With respect to disputed facts, either the plaintiffs’ version has been included here or the dispute is noted.

A. The Currans’ Well Water

Early in 1988, the Currans purchased more than an acre of land in Charlton, Massachusetts, located nearly half a mile from the 6W Service Station on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Shortly thereafter, they hired a builder to construct a home on the land. Because the Town of Charlton does not offer water to its residents, the Currans had a well drilled on their property to meet their water needs. The water from this well was tested and deemed potable before the Currans moved into the house. In September 1988, Mrs. Curran, Mr. Curran, and their daughter moved into the house.

During the winter of 1988 or spring of 1989, the Currans detected an unusual kerosene or petroleum-[261]*261like smell emanating from the various water sources of their home. Despite looking around for possible causes, the Currans could not ascertain the reasons for the odors. For various reasons, the Currans began drinking bottled water but still used their well water for cooking, brushing their teeth, and other household purposes. The Currans’ second child was born in 1989.

In a letter dated August 24, 1990, the defendant Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA), which has owned the 6W service station property at all relevant times, requested the Currans’ permission to allow the MTA’s consultant, Rizzo Associates, to collect and test water samples from their well. In October 1990, the Currans were notified that methyl-tert-butyl ether (MBTE) was detected in their well water. Several weeks later, the MTA notified the Currans that Rizzo Associates wanted to retest their well water. The MTA offered bottled water to the Currans during the interim. After the second test, the Currans were told, in December 1990, that benzene was present in their well water supply in amounts exceeding the maximum acceptable level determined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A letter of January 28, 1991, informed them that the MTA would install a permanent water treatment system in their home. In April 1991, the MTA informed the Currans that a test conducted of the water in March revealed there were still unacceptable levels of benzene in their well water supply.

In March 1991, the MTA paid for the installation of a water treatment and aeration system. From that time to the present, the Currans’ water supply is tested quarterly. Since the installation of the water treatment system in March of 1991, quarterly tests have indicated that levels of benzene and other contaminants do not exceed acceptable levels.

Thomas P. Army, Ph.D., an environmental engineer retained by the plaintiffs, states in an affidavit that based on his review of various depositions, reports and documents which were produced in discovery of this case, he has formed the opinion that the presence of petroleum contaminants, benzene and MBTE in the Currans’ well water supply “was more probably than not caused by the migration of those contaminants from the 6W service station.” (Army Affidavit, ¶10.)3

The MTA was responsible for the maintenance of the water treatment system. Shortly after its installation, the system leaked, causing inconvenience to the Currans. On many occasions, the system lacked water pressure and the Currans were required to fix the machine themselves. Because the system was noisy, the MTA paid for a closet to surround it and reduce the noise level. Despite the water treatment system, the Currans do not drink the tap water or use it for cooking. Mrs. Curran learned from her family doctor that benzene is a carcinogen. Since then, the Currans have only used the well water for bathing. They use bottled water for all other purposes, which they generally transport from relatives’ homes in Norwood. Mrs. Curran stopped growing a vegetable garden because the water aeration system did not treat the outside sprinkler. Because of the water treatment system, the Currans pay an increase of twenty to thirty dollars per month in electricity costs.

Before their water problems, the Currans had decided to sell their house and move closer to their relatives in the eastern part of the state. In July 1990, they listed their house for sale but received no offers. Because of the holidays they took their house off the market in December 1990. After the water problem, the Currans again listed their home for sale and received some interested buyers. The Currans disclosed the past detection of benzene in their well water to the prospective purchasers. The Currans have not sold their house to date.

Although Mrs. Curran admitted she has had severe headaches and nausea before the well contamination, she claims that she has suffered emotional distress regarding this incident and at least once a month continues to suffer headaches accompanied by nausea, insomnia and anxiety. Mr. Curran, a diabetic, had high blood pressure prior to the water problem, and claims that he is suffering emotional distress manifested by headaches and high blood pressure. Both claim their emotional distress is a result of the disruption of their home, their inability to sell their house, and the fear of future injury to themselves and their children due to benzene ingestion. The results from regular visits to doctors indicate that the children suffer no physical ailment or disease as a result of the water contamination. The Currans have received no medical tests indicating that they are at a greater risk of cancer or disease because of the benzene exposure. However, the Currans have submitted an affidavit of Earl M. Wedrow, M.D., a psychiatrist, who states that the Currans’ current symptoms are consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional distress.4

B. The Operation of the 6W Service Station

The MTA has owned the 6W service station in Charlton, Massachusetts since 1957. Beginning in 1957 and continuing through 1982, Exxon leased the station from the MTA. From 1982 to May 16, 1990, F.L. Roberts leased the 6W Service Station. Richard Ford, a manager for F.L.

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Bluebook (online)
2 Mass. L. Rptr. 260, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/curran-v-massachusetts-turnpike-authority-masssuperct-1994.