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Pittsboro authorizes legal teams to investigate 1,4‑dioxane and PFAS; town manager empowered to sign agreements

Pittsboro Board of Commissioners · January 28, 2026
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Summary

The Board of Commissioners authorized two legal service agreements June 13 to investigate sources and potential recovery of costs for 1,4‑dioxane and PFAS contamination; staff said the town already has spent roughly $3.5 million and estimated full treatment could cost $23–25 million.

Town Manager Chris Kennedy and staff briefed the Board of Commissioners June 13 on two proposed legal service agreements to investigate and pursue potential remedies for 1,4‑dioxane and PFAS contamination affecting Pittsboro’s water supply.

Kennedy said the town has expended “in excess of $3,500,000” to date for emergency responses and pilot treatment measures, and that full capital costs to install advanced treatment systems at the water plant could be in the “$23–25 million” range. He told the board staff solicited proposals from multiple law firms and recommended moving forward with specialized counsel to investigate responsible parties and evaluate potential recovery options. Staff and legal counsel emphasized early steps will be investigatory rather than immediate litigation, and that the process is likely to take years and could result in nothing, settlements, or court outcomes.

Commissioners discussed confidentiality and legal strategy; one commissioner noted much of the work and further deliberations will occur in closed session for legal strategy reasons. Commissioners also asked about fee structures; a board member summarized that the agreements would include a contingency or fee sharing amount so that a portion of recovered attorneys’ fees would reduce the town’s share of costs compared with paying full fees out of pocket.

Commissioner Bonnets moved to authorize the manager to execute the proposed legal services agreements for 1,4‑dioxane and for PFAS claims; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The board directed staff to return with draft executed agreements and to brief the public to the extent permitted by law as the investigation proceeds.

The town emphasized the effort is investigatory at this stage: staff will identify and pursue potential responsible parties and decide whether to file litigation or seek settlement. Kennedy said the town hopes residents will support the step and acknowledged any recovery efforts may be prolonged and uncertain.