China News Service, November 11, reported that on the 10th local time, a U.S. federal judge approved a US$626 million settlement agreement that resolved tens of thousands of people in Flint, Michigan, whose drinking water was contaminated by lead. And the large-scale lawsuits filed.

　　According to reports, the settlement agreement establishes a compensation plan for every victim of water pollution, whether they are part of a class action lawsuit or suing the state government themselves.

　　According to reports, about 80% of the settlement money will be reserved for minors, but it is not clear how much each person will receive.

Children's exposure to lead can cause learning disabilities and developmental delays.

　　Cory Stern, an attorney representing 4,000 children in the Flint area, said in a statement that “if Flint’s children and families do not firmly take a stand against those who fail to protect their safety,” It is possible to reach this agreement.

　　"Flint's family is finally getting some justice." Stern said.

For years, this poor, African-majority city has been struggling to find clean drinking water.

　　In April 2014, in order to save financial expenditure, the Flint City Government changed the water supply source, resulting in a sharp drop in water quality.

Nearly 100,000 residents drank excessive lead water for 18 months without knowing it, causing dozens of children to have excessive blood lead, more than 100 adults suffering from Legionnaires' disease, and 12 deaths.

After the drinking water pollution incident came to light, thousands of Flint City residents filed lawsuits with the Michigan state government.

　　After Michigan officials spent nearly two years negotiating with lawyers representing Flint residents, the state government agreed to the settlement in 2020.

　　The city of Flint, a local hospital and an engineering company are also named as defendants and will pay a total of 26 million U.S. dollars in settlements.

According to the terms of the agreement, the remaining part will be paid by the state government.

　　According to the ruling, people will be eligible for compensation if they find elevated levels of lead in the blood or bones, or suffer from cognitive problems caused by lead.

　　In addition, nine former state government officials were charged with dozens of crimes in this crisis, ranging from malfeasance to manslaughter.

In January 2021, former governor and Republican Rick Snyder was charged with two counts of deliberately neglecting public office. Snyder pleaded not guilty.

His lawyer called the accusations "untenable."