State Sues ConocoPhillips for Storage Tank Cleanup

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The state of Montana is suing ConocoPhillips alleging a state fund paid $5.5 million to clean up leaks from fuel storage tanks while the company collected insurance payments to cover the cost of the environmental work.

The Independent Record reports the Montana Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board filed its lawsuit in Helena on June 4, naming ConocoPhillips and several subsidiary and predecessor companies.

The lawsuit alleges ConocoPhillips didn't tell the state about its insurance policies and "profited from polluting Montana soil and water" while money from the petroleum tank cleanup fund was used to pay for the work. Money in the fund comes from fee on fuel.

A ConocoPhillips spokesman declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

A similar lawsuit against BP America is pending.