Suit Against Mobil Set for Trial
The trial of the lawsuit filed against Mobil Oil Corp. by the city of Torrance is set to begin Nov. 5, and the city attorney predicts it could last six to eight weeks.
The date was set by Superior Court Judge Gary Hastings at a Tuesday conference of attorneys in the case.
The suit is part of a continuing controversy over the safety of Mobil’s refinery in northeast Torrance. Public attention was focused on the refinery after a series of accidents, including a massive explosion in November, 1987.
The city sued Mobil in April, 1989, claiming the refinery is a public nuisance and seeking the power to regulate it.
City Atty. Kenneth L. Nelson said Wednesday that although the parties have discussed a settlement, “We’re still pretty far apart.” Mobil attorneys were not available for comment.
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