Gas Refineries Pay Vermont Settlement Over Fuel Additive

The Vermont attorney general’s office says more than two dozen of the country’s biggest gasoline refiners, including ExxonMobil and Shell Oil Company, are paying a $3.8 million settlement over the use of the gasoline additive that the state alleged caused widespread groundwater pollution.

The state had sued in 2014 saying it was still overseeing remediation of past-MTBE releases and finding contaminated wells even though the state banned the use of the chemical in 2007.

About 23 percent of the settlement is going to legal firms that helped with the case. Vermont is receiving more than $2.8 million.

The attorney general’s office said Friday that the state has dismissed remaining claims against the companies.

ExxonMobil did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.