Barci v. Intalco Aluminum Corp.

The plaintiffs, Paul G. Barci and Paul N. Barci, are father and son. They have owned and operated farm property near Ferndale, Washington, since the early part of the century. The defendant, Intalco Aluminum Company, constructed and commenced the operation of its aluminum reduction plant near the plaintiffs’ property in 1966. The plaintiffs brought suit for damages to their real property, to their cattle and to themselves individually, caused by pollutants from the plant. Liability was admitted by the defendant leaving the amount of damages as the sole issue to be decided by the jury.

The jury…