PFAS Contamination Impacting Sewerage Authorities
Across New Jersey and the nation, sewerage authorities are grappling with a growing and costly problem: contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These persistent, man-made chemicals, introduced into the environment through decades of industrial use and widespread firefighting foam (AFFF) applications, are now infiltrating wastewater treatment plants and presenting serious health, environmental, and regulatory challenges. Sewerage authorities — through no fault of their own — are now forced to manage and mitigate the consequences of chemical manufacturers’ negligence.
How PFAS Contaminate Sewerage Systems
PFAS contamination commonly originates from sources like firefighting training facilities, airports, industrial discharges, and municipal runoff — all of which eventually flow into public sewer systems. Wastewater treatment plants were never designed to handle these types of “forever chemicals,” and conventional treatment processes are ineffective at removing PFAS from the water stream.
As a result, PFAS accumulate in treated effluent, biosolids, and sludges produced during the wastewater treatment process. When these byproducts are released into waterways or applied to land as fertilizer, PFAS spread even further into the environment. In many cases, sewerage authorities have unknowingly distributed PFAS-contaminated materials, later facing public scrutiny, regulatory intervention, and costly mandates for testing, treatment, and remediation.
Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS
PFAS are linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and developmental problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated certain PFAS chemicals as likely human carcinogens, and is steadily introducing new drinking water standards and regulatory requirements for their control.
Once released into the environment, PFAS chemicals do not break down naturally, contaminating groundwater, surface water, and agricultural lands. Sewerage authorities are finding themselves at the center of these contamination pathways — bearing the burden of cleanup, compliance, and community protection, despite not being the original source of the pollution.
Legal Action for Sewerage Authorities Exposed to AFFF
Keefe Law Firm is deeply involved in the ongoing AFFF Multi-District Litigation (MDL) based in Charleston, South Carolina, representing municipalities, public authorities, and individual plaintiffs harmed by PFAS chemicals and filing AFFF lawsuits in the court of law. We understand the unique challenges faced by sewerage authorities, who now must navigate expensive PFAS testing, regulatory compliance, public pressure, and potential liability for environmental harm.
We believe that sewerage authorities should not bear the financial burden of addressing a crisis created by chemical manufacturers who failed to disclose the dangers of their products. Through strategic litigation, authorities may be able to recover the substantial costs associated with testing, treatment upgrades, sludge management, remediation efforts, and future monitoring.
Our firm is actively pursuing claims against the companies responsible for placing PFAS into commerce without adequate warnings or protections. We are committed to ensuring that public sewerage entities receive the compensation and resources necessary to protect their operations, safeguard public health, and comply with emerging environmental standards.
Contact Keefe Law Firm to Discuss Your Legal Options
If your sewerage authority is facing PFAS contamination issues or anticipates new regulatory obligations related to PFAS, Keefe Law Firm is here to help. Early legal action is crucial to preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and maximizing recovery.
Our team offers free consultations to sewerage authorities and other public entities impacted by PFAS contamination. We bring decades of experience in environmental and complex litigation, combined with a deep understanding of the science and regulations surrounding PFAS.
Contact Keefe Law Firm today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help your authority pursue justice and secure the funding necessary to meet the challenges ahead.a