PFAS Polluters to Pay $14.75B Direct to Public Water Systems in First Round

In this episode of “Engineers for Communities,” join me as I host Sam Wade, the former CEO of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and current Water Consultant to Napoli Shkolnik Law. NRWA has partnered with Napoli Law to create the PFAS Cost Recovery Program to help water and wastewater systems recoup money spent on treatment and remediation. Over $14 billion in settlements have been won so far with more to come. This episode provides the latest updates on the litigation efforts & clarifies how participation in the settlement is like a “insurance policy without a premium” for public water utilities who have detected or will detect any PFAS in their water supply.

★ Understanding PFAS: Wade explains what PFAS are, their widespread use, and the environmental and health impacts of these “forever chemicals.” Learn about the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)‘s new regulations on PFAS and the financial burden they place on water utilities.

★ PFAS Cost Recovery Program Background: Discover why the National Rural Water Association engaged in litigation against PFAS manufacturers and the goal of alleviating financial impacts on ratepayers.

★ Ensuring Access to Funds: Understand the importance of registering for litigation even if a utility currently has no PFAS detections, as a safeguard for future testing. Sam provides insights on how water utilities can apply for funds from the settlements and the necessary documentation required.

★ 3M ($12.5 B) and Dupont ($1.185 B) Settlements: Phase 1 Utilities who have tested PFAS prior to June 22, 2023, have a deadline of July 24, 2024, to complete the form to participate in the settlements. Utilities who tested after June 22, 2023 (UCMR 5) will still be included in the settlement as Phase 2 Utilities

★ 12 More Settlements in progress: Wade estimates that over $20 billion will be distributed to public water utilities by the time all the settlements are completed

★ How Much for Each Utility: Wade discusses how the funds will be distributed to each utility, noting the proportionality to contaminant loading over time and availability of a Fund Estimate Calculator for the 3M and DuPont Settlements

★ Case Study: Hear about real-life examples, such as the town council of a small community in the Northeast, and their journey from skepticism to active participation in the litigation.

★ Wastewater & Biosolids Next: Discussing the future implications for wastewater systems and the ongoing efforts to address PFAS contamination in biosolids.