Less than a week after an Alabama jury found Monsanto Co. liable for PCB contamination at an Anniston plant, a circuit judge ordered nine Monsanto executives to attend a meeting with lawyers to discuss a settlement agreement for thousands of remaining claims. Circuit Judge Joel Laird, in an effort to avoid additional lengthy trials, ordered the meeting hoping an agreement would be reached.

Nearly 3,500 residents filed suit against the company alleging Monsanto, its corporate spinoff Solutia, and Pharmacia Corp. knew that PCBs were toxic, yet failed to notify residents of the potential danger.

Solutia, which now owns the plant, produced PCB laden products at its Anniston facility from 1927 to 1971. The chemical was banned in the late 1970s after it was associated with several health disorders.