What is anderson v. cryovac?

Anderson v. Cryovac was a landmark environmental lawsuit in the United States. It was filed by a group of Woburn, Massachusetts citizens against W.R. Grace and Company and Beatrice Foods, alleging that the companies' operations had contaminated the local water supply with toxic chemicals, causing widespread illness and death. The case was first heard in 1986 and ultimately resulted in a settlement of $8 million for affected families, as well as widespread attention to the issue of corporate responsibility for pollution. The case was the inspiration for the book and subsequent film "A Civil Action," starring John Travolta.