DiPirro v. Ridge Tool Company, et al.

Citizen enforcer Michael DiPirro's allegations against the defendant Ridge Tool Company, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co. (collectively "Ridge Tool") were resolved on February 27, 2001, when the parties executed a Consent Judgment. DiPirro alleged that Ridge Tool sold power tools whose customary use produces dust containing the heavy metals lead, crystalline silica, arsenic, and chromium in the State of California without providing the requisite health hazard warnings.

As part of the settlement, Ridge Tool agreed not to sell any power tools in California after September 29, 2001, unless the power tools have Proposition 65 warnings provided. Additionally, Ridge Tool shall provide interim warning materials for power tools introduced into the stream of commerce before February 20, 2001.

The Consent Judgment requires settlement payments of $6,500, to be divided therein between civil penalties, 75% of which are paid to California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and compensation to whistleblower DiPirro and his counsel for their successful enforcement of this matter in the public interest.