ERIE, Kan. (AP) _ Wilson County, local schools and businesses, and some property owners are also part of the lawsuit against BP Corporation North America.

The lawsuit involves a refinery that was dismantled in 1970. The
property was then donated to the city.

The jury trial in Erie began in August and alleges liability for
oil spills, breach of contract and fraud.

The lawsuit claims that contamination covers almost 70 percent
of the town, including beneath city hall, homes and schools.

The company contends the leaks were not caused by negligence and
it has already committed to cleaning up the contamination. The
company also says there is no health risk in Neodesha.