Judge Finds Army Depot is a Federal Enclave, Maintains Jurisdiction

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- A federal judge denied a motion to remand, finding that an army depot at which the plaintiff allegedly was exposed to benzene is subject to federal jurisdiction. Watkins, et al. v. Safety-Kleen Systems Inc., et al., No. 08-224 (E.D. Ky.).

In the Aug. 29 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky Judge Karl S. Foster said that documents proffered by the defendants "clearly state" that both Kentucky and the United States acknowledged that the United States had exclusive jurisdiction over the Blue Grass Army Depot.

Plaintiffs Gary and Gina Lee Watkins filed the …