Evolving Regulatory Requirements, Health Effects & Cost-Recovery/Affirmative Litigation Options for PFAS

PFOA and PFOS are fluorinated organic chemicals, part of a larger group of chemicals referred to as perfluoroalkly substances (PFASs), that have been discovered in dozens of drinking waters supplies throughout the country resulting in EPA or state mandated multi-million dollar clean up projects. There source of PFAS contamination in drinking water is typically the result of direct releases from manufacturing facilities into the ground or air or firefighting foams containing PFASs that were used at Air Force bases, airports and firefighting training facilities. In response to the discovery of this recent contamination and the public outcry over health effects associated with PFASs, EPA lowered its Health Guidelines for PFAS and states are also beginning to implement their own regulatory response to this growing problem. This presentation will discuss the extent of the problem, legal and scientific issues relating to remediating drinking water supplies contaminated with PFASs, health effects from PFAS exposure and cost-recovery/affirmative litigation options for municipalities whose drinking water supplies are contaminated with PFASs.