Settlement Reached over South Carolina Homes on Bombing Range

April 9, 2009

About 330 homeowners in a suburban Columbia, South Carolina neighborhood used as a practice bombing range in World War II are eligible for a $1,000 settlement in a lawsuit against developers.

Nearly three dozen homeowners in The Summit sued in 2001, saying they were not told military ordnance might be buried in their yards.

The State of Columbia reports both sides have agreed to a $550,000 settlement that will go before a judge June 12.

Homeowners who want to negotiate separately with developers have until the end of the month to pull out of the settlement.

Soil samples taken eight years ago found no dangerous chemicals. The Army has said nearly all the practice bombs dropped on the site should have contained water and sand.

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Information from: The State