If you owned or rented a condo at Port Liberté in Jersey City and dealt with noise, dust, odors, or other pollution issues tied to nearby industrial operations, you may qualify for part of a $1.475 million class action settlement.
The settlement involves claims against companies operating at Claremont Terminal and could provide cash payments to eligible condo owners and tenants who submit a valid claim.
Why this lawsuit exists?
Residents and owners at certain Port Liberté condominium buildings sued:
- Simsmetal East LLC
- Sims Group USA Holdings Corporation
- Sims Municipal Recycling of New York LLC
The lawsuit claimed the companies’ industrial operations at nearby Claremont Terminal caused:
- Noise
- Odors
- Dust and particulate air pollution
- Bright lights
- Fires
- Explosions
According to the lawsuit, these conditions:
- Reduced property values
- Interfered with residents’ use and enjoyment of their homes
The companies denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case.
The settlement also requires the defendants to implement environmental and operational measures intended to reduce the alleged impacts going forward.
Who qualifies??
You may qualify if:
- You owned or leased a condominium unit at Port Liberté
- Your unit had windows, doors, balconies, or open-air access facing Claremont Terminal operations
- You lived there at any point between April 26, 2018 and January 23, 2026
Eligible Buildings
- 1 Independence Way
- 205 Shearwater Court West
- 206 Shearwater Court West
- 207 Shearwater Court West
- 208 Shearwater Court West
- 100 Shearwater Court East
- 101 Shearwater Court East
- 102 Shearwater Court East
- 15 Freedom Way
- 4 Constellation Place
How much can you get?
Payments will vary depending on several factors, including:
- Whether you owned or leased the unit
- How long you lived there
- Which building your unit was in
- How many other valid claims are filed for the same unit
The total settlement fund is $1,475,000.
Class members earn points based on these factors:
Share System Explained
| Qualification | Shares/Points |
|---|---|
| Owned the unit | 1 point |
| Lived in the unit | 1 point |
| Owned the unit for at least 3 years | 1 point |
| Lived in the unit for at least 3 years | 1 point |
Building Categories
| Building Type | Maximum Shares |
|---|---|
| Primary Class Buildings | Up to 4 shares |
| Secondary Class Buildings | Up to 1 share |
Primary Class Buildings
- 1 Independence Way
- 205–208 Shearwater Court West
- 100–102 Shearwater Court East
Secondary Class Buildings
- 15 Freedom Way
- 4 Constellation Place
Your options
| Option | What Happens | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| File a Claim | Receive a possible cash payment | May 26, 2026 |
| Exclude Yourself | Keep your right to sue separately | Passed (May 4, 2026) |
| Object | Tell the court why you disagree | Passed (May 4, 2026) |
| Attend Hearing | Speak at the fairness hearing | May 22, 2026 |
| Do Nothing | Receive no payment and give up claims | N/A |
How to file a claim?
To receive money from the settlement, you must submit a claim by May 26, 2026
You can file online, OR print and mail a claim form.
You’ll Need:
- Claim ID and PIN from your notice
- Social Security Number or Tax ID
- Proof of ownership or residency
Examples of accepted documents:
- Property deed
- Purchase agreement
- Property tax records
- Lease agreement
- Utility bills
If multiple people owned or leased the same unit, each person may file separately or jointly.
If you lived in one of the affected Port Liberté condo buildings and dealt with alleged pollution impacts from Claremont Terminal operations, this settlement could provide compensation.
