Medford, NJ and Sambol Corp.

Nearly 200 property owners whose properties were flooded by the Rancocas Creek in 2004 brought in a class action lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the dam owners. The lawsuit was filed against six dams that failed, were damaged, or were overtopped by water during the flood. Medford Township, Medford Board of Education, Rancocas Cranberry Co., Sambol Corp. and others have agreed to pay a $285,000 class action settlement. Medford Township and Sambol will pay $130,000 for the Mill Dam in Southampton. The Medford Board of Education would pay $75,000 for the Hinchman Dam. Medford Township for the Foster Road Dam, Medford Lakes borough for Quogue Dam, Rancocas Cranberry Co. for No. 8 No Name Dam in Southampton, and Union Mill Lake Colony Club for the Union Mill Dam in Evesham will each pay $20,000. The settlement money will be deposited in an interest-bearing court account for future distribution pending resolution of the remainder of the lawsuit. (Jan-16-07) [COURIER POST ONLINE: DAM FLOODING]