ASHLAND AGREES TO $30 MILLION SETTLEMENT

Ashland Oil Inc. agreed to pay $30 million to settle 20 class action civil suits from a diesel fuel spill in the Monongahela River in 1988 that threatened drinking-water supplies in three states. US District Judge Brooks Smith gave preliminary approval to the proposed settlement Tuesday. Ashland would receive credit for $14 million in claims it already has paid or agreed to pay.