Gopher Resource $30M Settlement for Workplace Safety Claims

If you worked at the Tampa Facility as an employee or as a contractor or employee of a contractor from January 1, 2006, to July 24, 2024, you may be eligible to claim a monetary award from a class action settlement.

Gopher Resource, LLC has agreed to pay $30,000,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged failure to provide a reasonably safe workplace, appropriate decontamination for employees and workers, and adequate control of emissions from their facilities.

Who Can Claim an Award?

To be eligible for an award, you must fit into one of the following categories:

• Worker and Family Member Subclass: All individuals who worked at the Eagan Facility as employees and/or as contractors or employees of contractors from January 1, 2000, to July 24, 2024, and all spouses, partners, minor children, and other family members who resided with any such worker during the period of employment or at any time within four years thereafter, up to July 24, 2024. This also includes all individuals who worked at the Tampa Facility as employees and/or as contractors or employees of contractors from January 1, 2006, to July 24, 2024, and all spouses, partners, minor children, and other family members who resided with any such worker during the period of employment or at any time within four years thereafter, up to July 24, 2024.
• Eagan Neighbors Subclass: All individuals who resided within, attended a school within, or worked within one mile of the stack of the Eagan Facility from January 1, 2000, to July 24, 2024.
• Tampa Neighbors Subclass: All individuals who resided within, attended a school within, or worked within one mile of the stack of the Tampa Facility from January 1, 2006, to July 24, 2024.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The proposed settlement creates a Cash Fund of up to $30 million. This fund will be used to pay the costs of a Special Master to adjudicate the claims of Settlement Class Members and other standard settlement fund expenses. The remaining amounts in the Cash Fund will be paid out proportionally to Settlement Class Members who receive Final Monetary Awards based on the size of the individual’s Final Monetary Award compared to the Total Adjudicated Claim Award.

• Worker and Family Member Subclass: All individuals who worked at the Eagan Facility as employees and/or as contractors or employees of contractors from January 1, 2000, to July 24, 2024, and all spouses, partners, minor children, and other family members who resided with any such worker during the period of employment or at any time within four years thereafter, up to July 24, 2024, as well as all individuals who worked at the Tampa Facility as employees and/or as contractors or employees of contractors from January 1, 2006, to July 24, 2024, and all spouses, partners, minor children, and other family members who resided with any such worker during the period of employment or at any time within four years thereafter, up to July 24, 2024.
• Eagan Neighbors Subclass: All individuals who resided within, attended a school within, or worked within one mile of the stack of the Eagan Facility from January 1, 2000, to July 24, 2024.
• Tampa Neighbors Subclass: All individuals who resided within, attended a school within, or worked within one mile of the stack of the Tampa Facility from January 1, 2006, to July 24, 2024.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, claimants need to provide proof they are a class member.

The required proof includes:

• Proof of employment or contractor status at the Eagan or Tampa Facility during the specified periods.
• Proof of relationship and residency with an employee or contractor who worked at the Eagan or Tampa Facility.
• Proof of residency, school attendance, or employment within one mile of the stack of the Eagan or Tampa Facility.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you need to submit a Claim Form along with Supporting Documentation. You can file a claim online at or by mail to:

Gopher Settlement

c/o Angeion Group

1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Follow these steps to submit a claim:

1. Visit the official settlement website at .
2. Download and complete the Claim Form.
3. Gather all required supporting documentation.
4. Submit the completed Claim Form and supporting documents online or mail them to the address provided above.

$30,000,000 Settlement Fund

The total settlement amount of $30,000,000 will be used to cover various costs and expenses associated with the settlement:

• Special Master to adjudicate claims
• Notice and Administrative Costs
• Lien Resolution Administrator Costs
• GAL and LII Costs
• Settlement Planning Administration Costs
• Monitor costs for the Tampa and Eagan Facilities for three years
• Approved Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses
• Plaintiffs’ Incentive Awards
• Other costs and expenses associated with administering the Settlement

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: October 21, 2024
• Exclusion Deadline: September 23, 2024

When is the Payout?

Awards will be paid after the Court approves the settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit claims that Gopher Resource, LLC, Envirofocus Technologies, LLC, and ECP Gopher Holdings, LP failed to provide a reasonably safe workplace at the Tampa and Eagan Facilities, appropriate decontamination for employees and workers, and adequate control of emissions from the Tampa Facility. The settlement resolves these claims without the defendants admitting any wrongdoing.

What Happens Next?

The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing to decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments will be made to eligible class members after any appeals are resolved. Stay updated by visiting the official settlement website or calling the provided.