(AP) -- A school district near Cincinnati is suing a plastics plant, accusing it of continuing to release chemicals in the air that exceed government safety standards.

Three Rivers School District closed an elementary school across the street from the plant in 2005. The district says it has been unable to sell the building and is burdened by crowded classrooms.

Students were shifted to two other elementary schools, and some courses are taught in cafeterias or storage areas.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages. The plant had been cited with several environmental violations.

Terri Fitzpatrick, a spokeswoman for plastics maker Lanxess Corp., which previously owned the plant, says the company took steps to enhance environmental controls. The plant continues to operate under a joint agreement between Lanxess and Ineos Group.

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