Lincoln Park to join phase 2 of national PFAS settlement, council concurs

Lincoln Park — City Council voted unanimously to concur with staff recommendation that Lincoln Park participate in Phase 2 of a nationwide class-action settlement concerning PFAS contamination.

City Attorney Zelnick briefed the council, saying staff and prosecutors had been working with the issue and that the settlement is a national, multi-jurisdictional action. Zelnick said the participation carries no charge to the city and described attorneys’ fees as set by the federal court for class counsel. “There's no charge to the city. It's a class action. The attorney's fees are set by the class by the federal court,” Zelnick said.

City staff told council that if recovery occurs in Phase 2, funds could be available to improve local water systems. Council members discussed briefly and then voted in favor by roll call.

Why it matters: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are persistent contaminants of drinking water; participation in class-action settlements can provide recovery funds for municipal water improvements without requiring a local fee or contribution from the city.

Next steps: With council concurrence, Lincoln Park will remain part of Phase 2 of the settlement; staff and the assigned legal counsel will follow class procedures for claims and distribution, subject to federal-court oversight and terms set by the class settlement process.