MOBILE, Ala. (AP) State officials said environmental problems at a U.S. 98 construction site in west Mobile are a thing of the past.

Officials have installed a hazardous waste containment system and 45 retention ponds to help keep construction runoff and mud from smothering acres of wetlands in the area. Alabama Department of Transportation spokesman Tony Harris said the agency is ready to settle twin state and federal lawsuits filed in response to the environmental issues created by the construction.

The lawsuits have halted the paving project, which will take three to five years to complete once it starts again. The project includes a 1,000-ft. (305 m) bridge over the wetlands near Big Creek.

The lawsuits were filed by the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System and Attorney General Troy King. Both suits were joined by the Mobile Baykeeper environmental group.

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