SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane announced Tuesday that it will be joining a lawsuit against manufacturers responsible for PFAS/PFOA contamination.
This announcement comes just days after city officials filed a complaint as part of a larger lawsuit over the harmful chemicals. That complaint, which was initially filed by South Carolina's attorney general last October, lists 11 causes of action, including product liability and negligence against 3M, DuPont and other manufacturers.
PFAS are man-made, toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate when released into the environment. While they've been used for decades in industrial processes and common household products, exposure to these chemicals can have detrimental health effects on humans and animals.
According to the city, in 2023, there have been low-level detections of these chemicals at the Ray Street Well near Ray and 23rd Ave and the Grace Well at the city's Water Department on the North Foothills. While most testing levels were below state limits, the city said one production well exceeded the new federal standards, which were finalized last week.
According to City director of communications Erin Hut, the well that tested above the federal level was the Ray Street Well.
“Protecting the health and safety of Spokane’s residents is our top priority. By taking legal action against these manufacturers, we are holding accountable those responsible for polluting our drinking water,” Mayor Lisa Brown said.
“The people of Spokane deserve nothing less than access to safe and reliable drinking water, and we will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf. This lawsuit is another way the City is working to ensure clean and safe water for Spokane customers now and in the future,” Director of Public Works Marlene Feist said.
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