Court approves “historic” $1.18 billion settlement with Dupont over PFAS water contamination
(UI) – Shkolnik and the other members of the PFAS Settlement Steering Committee praised U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel’s decision yesterday to approve a $1.18 billion settlement with DuPont regarding PFAS contamination in America’s public water systems.
The settlements encompass public water systems that have identified PFAS detections in their drinking water sources, along with systems mandated to undergo PFAS contamination testing. These settlements were reached after five years of intense litigation that included 30 million pages of discovery documents, and more than 200 depositions.
Funds from the settlements will compensate water providers for contamination with the chemicals used widely in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products, as well as some firefighting foams.
Described as “forever chemicals” because they don’t degrade naturally in the environment, PFAS have been linked to a variety of health problems, including liver and immune-system damage and some cancers.
"We are delighted that Judge Gergel has approved the historic $1.18 billion settlement with DuPont for its role in PFAS contamination of water supplies. Funds will soon start flowing so the vital work of cleaning America's water systems can commence,’’ said Paul Napoli, partner in Napoli Shkolnik and a member of the PFAS Settlement Committee, which also includes Elizabeth Fegan of Fegan Scott, Michael London of Douglas & London, Joe Rice of Motley Rice LLC, and Scott Summy of Baron & Budd LLC. “The next step is approval of the $12.5 billion settlement with 3M, and we await Judge Gergel's decision,’’ Napoli said.
“These settlements are not just about the water we drink, but about the health of our nation,’’ Napoli said. “These settlements are a testament to our commitment to ensuring the well-being of every American.''
Related News
From Archive
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion
Comments