PFAS Litigation Updates

FILTER BY STATE

CA, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, NC, OH, SC, TX, VT, WA

The world of PFAS litigation is quickly evolving. As regulatory scrutiny of these compounds increases, so, too, will the body of associated case law. From class actions to multidistrict litigation, this section will regularly highlight developments in PFAS-related litigation.

Content in this section does not reflect the opinion of Alston & Bird or its attorneys.

Please note, a subscription may be required to view some of this content.

 

Read the PFAS Primer Quarterly Update

Subscribe
Previous Issues

Federal Government Challenges New Mexico’s Definition of PFAS as Hazard Waste

The United States filed for summary judgment in its suit over a hazardous waste remediation permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), arguing that the substances covered by the permit exceeded the state’s authority. The United States contends that NMED acted arbitrarily and capriciously by including PFOS and PFOA among the substances considered “hazardous waste” because neither of these chemicals are identified as such under the Hazardous Waste Act or EPA’s regulations.

June 1, 2021 | United States v. N.M. Env’t Dep’t, No. 2:19-cv-00046-KG-SMV (D.N.M.)

New York PFAS Contamination Case Survives Motion to Dismiss

The District Court for the Northern District of New York denied a motion to dismiss a group of New York residents’ personal injury claims against 3M, DuPont, Honeywell, and Saint-Goban Performance Plastics. The residents alleged that the chemical companies contaminated their drinking water with PFAS. However, some plaintiffs failed to produce authorizations for medical and employment histories and water or blood testing results. After the chemical companies requested dismissal, plaintiffs responded with the requested information, and unresponsive plaintiffs were voluntarily dismissed. The court found that dismissing the claims would be “too severe a sanction.”

May 17, 2021 | In re Hoosick Falls PFOA Cases, No. 1:19-mc-18 (N.D.N.Y.)

Pennsylvania Water Utility Sues Chemical Companies Seeking Cleanup Costs

Aqua Pennsylvania, a private water utility serving approximately 1.4 million Pennsylvania residents, filed suit against 3M, DuPont, Tyco, Chemguard, and other chemical companies for PFAS contamination to its water system. Aqua claims the contamination has forced Aqua to devote significant amounts of time and financial resources to testing and treating water for PFAS. The complaint includes claims for negligence, trespass, failure to warn, and strict liability defective design and seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

May 10, 2021 | Aqua Pa., Inc. v. AGC Chem. Ams. Inc. et al., No. 2:21-cv-02126 (E.D. Pa.)

City of Dayton, Ohio Seeks $310 Million from U.S. Air Force for Alleged PFAS Contamination

The City of Dayton, Ohio filed a complaint under the Federal Tort Claims Act against the United States for alleged PFAS contamination of the City’s drinking water supply originating from a nearby Air Force base. The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base had been using firefighting foam that contained PFAS since 1970. Although the Ohio EPA ordered the Base to clean up the chemicals in 2016, plaintiffs allege that the Base never proposed or implemented any remediation actions.  The complaint alleges claims for public nuisance and continued trespass and seeks reimbursement for past, present, and future cleanup costs.

May 3, 2021 | City of Dayton v. United States, No. 3:21-cv-00135 (S.D. Ohio)

DuPont Appeals $40 Million Judgment in PFAS Injury Case

DuPont appealed the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio’s judgment in a PFAS exposure case that required the company to pay the plaintiff, a cancer survivor, $40 million. The case is part of a group of lawsuits by Ohio and West Virginia residents who alleged that DuPont’s plant in Parkersburg, West Virginia contaminated their drinking water. DuPont is appealing all previous judgments in the case. The company unsuccessfully sought a new trial but prevailed on its request to lower the $10 million award to the victim’s wife for loss of consortium.

April 27, 2021 | In re E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. C-8 Personal Injury Litigation, No. 2:13-md-2433 (S.D. Ohio)