Nigerian villagers announced a settlement of a Bay Area federal court suit Friday that sought information from Chevron Corp. about its alleged practice of illegally burning natural gas released during oil extractions in the Niger Delta. Residents of five villages in the community of Ugborodo sued the San Ramon oil company in U.S. District Court in 2012, asking for records on the environmental impact of gas "flaring," Chevron's use of the practice and any penalties it has paid. Earth Rights said flaring, or disposing of natural gas by burning it when it spews from the ground during oil drilling, contaminates the air and soil, causes respiratory infections, skin rashes and other health problems.
Reported by SFGate 21 hours ago.
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