North Carolina State University v. Monsanto Co. et al.

NC State’s filing on Wednesday, Oct. 1, seeks damages to cover the hundreds of millions of dollars it will cost to remediate Poe Hall, plus punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. The lawsuit also seeks to hold Monsanto responsible for any possible future liability that may arise from personal injury claims.

• Read our complete court filing.

Latest Updates

• Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss
• Narrative Brief in Support of Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss
• Exhibit A
• Exhibit B
• Exhibit C

Background

Poe Hall was constructed in 1971, and at that time, PCBs were commonly used in building materials. Monsanto manufactured and furnished the PCBs present in Poe Hall and marketed its PCB mixtures as nontoxic.

In December 2023 and April 2024, sampling conducted by Geosyntec, an international environmental firm, indicated the presence of PCBs in levels above EPA standards in bulk materials inside the building’s HVAC system. Although most people do not come into direct contact with the HVAC system, the analysis revealed contamination in surface dust and air samples in various locations in the building. Geosyntec’s analysis shows that nearly all the surface and air samples were below EPA thresholds for schools.

“This legal action is just the right thing to do, and I applaud NC State for taking this step. Countless people are understandably fearful and concerned, and the university and taxpayers face at least a nine-figure bill. This lawsuit is about assigning accountability and responsibility where it properly belongs.”

— UNC System President Peter Hans