VANCOUVER — Canadians with leaking polybutylene plastic plumbing or heating systems can now apply for compensation from a $20-million class action settlement reached with Shell Oil Co. Another defendant, E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., previously settled in the case. “This has been a major problem — especially in areas like British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec,” James Poyner of the legal firm Poyner Baxter said Friday. Directions for claims, including all relevant forms, can be found on the Internet at www.polypipes.ca or by calling the claims administrator toll-free at 1-866-348-0333. Canadian courts approved DuPont’s $30-million settlement in May, with DuPont agreeing to pay 25 per cent of replacement costs. The faulty systems contain grey plastic pipes made of polybutylene and grey acetal plastic insert fittings.

© The Vancouver Sun 2004