PFAS Settlement: New Hampshire Secures $65 Million for Water Cleanup

Landmark Agreement Targets Public Water System Contamination

New Hampshire has reached a significant milestone in its fight against PFAS contamination, securing a $65 million settlement from major chemical manufacturers. This agreement marks a crucial step in addressing the widespread issue of PFAS in public water systems across the Granite State.

5 Key Points

• New Hampshire to receive $65 million from 3M and DuPont over PFAS contamination
• Settlement funds will be distributed over the next two to three years
• Money will go into the state’s Drinking Water and Ground Water Trust Fund
• Funds are specifically for public water systems serving at least 25 people
• Litigation for private well contamination is still ongoing

Understanding the PFAS Settlement

The PFAS settlement, announced by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office, represents a major victory in the state’s efforts to hold chemical manufacturers accountable for environmental contamination. Senior Assistant Attorney General Chris Aslin stated, “We have a ways to go, but we’re hoping to bring in significantly more funds to help clean up the mess.”

This settlement specifically targets 3M and DuPont, two major manufacturers of PFAS chemicals. The funds will be crucial in addressing the widespread contamination of public water systems across New Hampshire.

PFAS: A Persistent Environmental Threat

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals found in various consumer products, including plastics and non-stick coatings. Over the last decade, these chemicals have been linked to numerous adverse health impacts, raising significant concerns among residents and officials alike.

Rep. Tim McGough, R-Merrimack, emphasized the severity of the issue: “It’s a huge issue. People shouldn’t live in fear from drinking water right out of the tap.” He added, “People are scared. They don’t know what’s going to happen, especially the long-term effects.”

Allocation of Settlement Funds

The $65 million secured through the PFAS settlement will be distributed through the state’s Drinking Water and Ground Water Trust Fund. This allocation process will occur over the next two to three years, with funds distributed to various public water systems based on their specific needs.

It’s important to note that this settlement is earmarked explicitly for public water systems, which typically serve at least 25 people. The Attorney General’s office clarified that funds for addressing PFAS contamination in private wells are still being litigated.

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Ongoing Efforts and Future Challenges

While this settlement represents a significant step forward, officials acknowledge that much work still needs to be done. New sources of PFAS contamination continue to be discovered, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and action.

Rep. McGough stressed the importance of continued efforts: “We need to continue to make more such investments, and the money needs to come from the polluters directly, not out of the taxpayers’ pockets.” This sentiment reflects a growing consensus that the financial burden of environmental cleanup should fall on the companies responsible for the contamination.

Legislative Action and Public Health

New Hampshire has been at the forefront of legislative action regarding PFAS contamination. For the past five years, the state has been developing and implementing legislation to address PFAS levels in water. These efforts have included setting strict standards for acceptable PFAS concentrations and mandating regular testing of public water supplies.

The settlement funds will play a crucial role in supporting these ongoing efforts, helping communities implement necessary water treatment technologies and infrastructure improvements to ensure safe drinking water for residents.

Impact on Communities

The PFAS settlement is expected to significantly impact communities across New Hampshire, particularly those that have been grappling with contamination for years. Towns like Merrimack, which have been at the epicenter of PFAS concerns, will likely see substantial benefits from the influx of cleanup funds.

However, it’s essential to recognize that the full extent of PFAS contamination and its long-term health effects are still being studied. As such, continued monitoring, research, and community engagement will be essential to New Hampshire’s response to this environmental challenge.