The Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm have been leaders in the emerging PFAS wastewater lawsuits and PFAS biosolid litigation. Our dedicated team of experienced lawyers is committed to advocating for municipalities, state governments, and private wastewater operators seeking compensation for the remediation of PFAS contamination. With a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record, we stand ready to fight for your rights and help you remediate PFAS from wastewater and biosolids. Discover how our consortium of water contamination attorneys can make a difference in your PFAS-related wastewater and biosolids case.
Contact Us Today for a Free PFAS Waste Water and Biosolid Claim Evaluation
Top Rated Legal Representation in PFAS Wastewater Lawsuits
At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we pride ourselves on providing top rated legal representation in PFAS wastewater litigation. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in the complexities of PFAS litigation and has a deep understanding of the relevant laws and regulations. Whether you are a municipality, state government, or private wastewater operator, our lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
A Brief Primer on PFAS Litigation Trends and Future Disputes
To grasp the intricacies of PFAS wastewater lawsuits, it’s essential to be informed about the current litigation trends and future disputes. PFAS litigation has been on the rise in recent years due to the increasing awareness of PFAS contamination and its adverse effects on communities and the environment.
Plaintiffs in the PFAS litigation have pursued various legal theories including negligence, strict liability, and public nuisance claims. While there have been challenges for plaintiffs in terms establishing causation and proving damages, recently chemical manufacturer 3M Co. has announced a landmark settlement of at least $10.3 billion to address lawsuits related to the contamination of numerous U.S. public drinking water systems with per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS).
Over 300 communities have filed similar suits against companies involved in the production of firefighting foam or PFAS-containing products. The agreement with 3M represents a significant step forward in addressing PFAS contamination and will be paid over 13 years, with the potential to reach $12.5 billion based on the detection of PFAS in public water systems during required EPA testing over the next three years. The settlement is pending court approval and is expected to improve the lives of millions of Americans by ensuring healthier drinking water without PFAS contamination.
Working with a Consortium of Water Contamination Experts
The Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm is proud to collaborate with a consortium of the most experienced water contamination firms in the country. This strategic partnership allows us to pool our collective knowledge, resources, and expertise to tackle PFAS wastewater and biosolid lawsuits effectively. By combining forces, we strengthen our ability to hold responsible parties accountable for PFAS contamination and secure compensation for our clients.
Proposed EPA Regulation of PFAS in Wastewater and Biosolids
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken proactive measures to address the issue of biosolid wastewater discharges from industrial sources under Plan 15. With a commitment to protect the nation’s waterways, the EPA is focusing on the extent and impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in leachate discharges from landfills.
The Agency has determined that revised effluent limitations guidelines and pretreatment standards are necessary to reduce PFAS in biosolids. Additionally, the EPA is initiating new and expanded studies, including investigating PFAS concentrations from industrial dischargers to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). By taking these steps and leveraging the best available data and treatment technologies, the EPA aims to mitigate the presence of PFAS in biosolid wastewater and safeguard water quality, thereby protecting human health and the environment from potential harm.
Potential Risks of EPA Regulation of PFAS Levels in Biosolids
The increasing concern over PFAS contamination in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has raised significant implications and risks for WWTP operators. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature in the environment, have been detected in biosolids, the sludge produced during the wastewater treatment process. As WWTPs accept wastewater from various sources, including industrial and commercial discharges, PFAS can enter the treatment plants and adsorb to the biosolids. When these biosolids are applied to land as fertilizer, PFAS can migrate into the environment, potentially contaminating water sources and impacting human and animal food chains.
The presence of PFAS in biosolids has prompted state and local governments to take action. Some have imposed regulations on testing biosolids for PFAS before land application, while others have suspended the use of municipal biosolids entirely. Additionally, federal regulations have proposed listing PFOS and PFOA, two common types of PFAS, as hazardous substances, leading to potential release reporting requirements for facilities like WWTPs.
The soluble and mobile nature of PFAS presents a risk of contaminating drinking water supplies when biosolids are land-applied. With the new interim Health Advisories issued by the US EPA for PFOA and PFOS, even limited concentrations of PFAS in biosolids could lead to groundwater concentrations exceeding the recommended limits. There is also a potential for PFAS uptake by plants and livestock from soil, raising concerns about the food stream.
To address the problem, WWTP owners must consider targeted approaches based on an assessment of the sources of wastewater they receive. Controlling PFAS concentrations in biosolids may require setting limits on industrial discharges to sewage treatment plants and conducting influent sampling to determine the need for further action. The evolving science and regulations surrounding PFAS necessitate expert guidance in managing and mitigating the risks associated with PFAS contamination in WWTPs.
Our dedication to environmental justice extends beyond PFAS wastewater lawsuits to PFAS biosolid litigation. We recognize the significant impact PFAS contamination can have on communities that rely on biosolids for various applications. As experienced PFAS biosolid lawyers, we are committed to seeking justice for affected communities and ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable.
The Costly Challenge of PFAS Remediation in Wastewater Streams and Biosolids
The groundbreaking study conducted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reveals the daunting costs that wastewater operators may face in removing and destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from certain wastewater streams across Minnesota. According to the report, the technologies and expenses required for this cleanup could range from $14 to $28 billion over a span of 20 years.
The study, a part of Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint, serves as a comprehensive interagency plan to prevent, manage, and clean up PFAS pollution. The estimated costs highlight the urgent need to address PFAS contamination long before it enters the waste stream, as wastewater treatment facilities cannot bear the burden of cleaning up this pervasive pollution. The study’s key findings emphasize the challenges faced by wastewater treatment facilities, with small facilities projected to encounter costs over six times greater than larger ones due to economies of scale. Moreover, the introduction of new “short-chain” PFAS compounds has rendered removal and destruction up to 70% more expensive than the old “long-chain” PFAS, exacerbating the financial strain on wastewater operators.
PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” infiltrate wastewater through various industrial processes and everyday use of commercial products. They can also enter through discarded PFAS-containing products in landfills and compost sites, leading to their presence in liquids called landfill leachate and compost contact water. As these liquids are sent to wastewater treatment facilities not equipped to remove PFAS, the chemicals eventually contaminate surface water, groundwater, drinking water, wildlife, and the food supply. While wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota have started monitoring PFAS and identifying sources, none currently possess the infrastructure necessary to effectively remove and destroy PFAS. The MPCA recognizes that without an alternative source of funding, PFAS removal and destruction from municipal wastewater will remain unaffordable. However, emerging biosolids technologies offer a potential solution, as they may be more cost-competitive with current practices.
Comprehensive Legal Services for PFAS Wastewater and Biosolid Lawsuits
Our legal services cover a wide range of issues related to PFAS contamination in wastewater and biosolids. We offer support for municipalities, state governments, and private wastewater operators seeking compensation for property damage, personal injury, and environmental claims arising from PFAS contamination.
Contact Us for Top Rated Legal Counsel
If you are facing PFAS contamination challenges in your wastewater treatment operations or biosolids applications, do not hesitate to reach out to us for top rated legal counsel. Call Marin, Barrett, and Murphy to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team, or fill out our simple contact form, and we will be in touch promptly.
At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we are committed to making a difference in PFAS wastewater and biosolid litigation. Our experienced lawyers are passionate about fighting for the rights of affected communities and holding responsible parties accountable. When you choose us, you gain access to a consortium of water contamination lawyers dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to explore how we can help you navigate the complexities of your PFAS-related case and pave the way for a cleaner and safer tomorrow.