The Army is denying more than 100 claims that chemical compounds buried or tested at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, caused illness among people living nearby.
A lawyer for a group that orchestrated the filings says the denials set the stage for a likely federal lawsuit.
Fort Detrick spokeswoman Lanessa Hill said Tuesday the Army has denied 106 such claims, leaving four unresolved. She says two of those were filed by people claiming they couldn't sell their homes due to contamination fears. She says the other two were health claims that lacked documentation.
The Federal Tort Claims Act gives those who were denied compensation six months to file lawsuits seeking damages. Attorney Mike Hugo of Framingham, Massachusetts, says it's "highly likely" that a lawsuit or lawsuits will be filed.
