Settlement

[Earl]

Is there any way this is not taxable. Clients received 1099 Misc (other income) as part of a class action suit against local company.
Claim against company was for environmental pollution. Company settled and payment made to members of class action. Payment
made based on distance from plant. No claims of medical problems had to be proven just that they lived in vicinity of plant.

[Earl]

Settlement

Determined that settlement is to compensate for environmental
damage to property resulting in decrease in value. Would this
make settlement amounts not taxable.