Alternative Dispute Resolution is a mechanism by which different types of legal disputes are resolved through out-of-court processes like arbitration, and mediation as an alternative to civil litigation. ADR methods can be effective in reducing the time, money, and adversarial nature associated with traditional court-based proceedings.
Seward is an unincorporated community in Winnebago County, Illinois, and is located west of Rockford. It is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. In early 2007, a leak at Seward Ag caused the release of 38,000 to 40,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia gas. This resulted in a full evacuation of the village until the next day. Ten people were treated for throat irritation at Rockford hospitals. Three cows and four pigs were killed because of exposure to anhydrous ammonia.