approximately 1,200 residents who live near the plant and former employees of coronet industries have filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, alleging amongst other things that the pollution from the plant has harmed their health and lowered property values. coronet, at the time it was shut down in 2004, was owned by japan-based mitsui and onoda chemical. previous owners include borden chemical, smith-douglas and browne gregg. the residents were initially represented by masry & vititoe, the firm which employed famous environmental activist erin brockovich, among other law firms.