Rochester Hills authorizes legal work to evaluate PFAS claims, notes April 1 MDL filing deadline
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Summary
The council approved a legal services agreement to allow testing and assessment of potential claims tied to Aqueous Film‑Forming Foams (PFAS) and to determine whether Rochester Hills can participate in MDL No. 2873 settlement processes; city attorney staff said an April 1 deadline for filing participation exists.
The Rochester Hills City Council on March 23 authorized the mayor to execute a legal services agreement with Stag Louisa LLC and Mavisie PLLC to investigate possible claims related to PFAS contamination from aqueous film‑forming foams and to evaluate whether the city can participate in settlement opportunities available through MDL No. 2873.
City Attorney Crist told council the agreement would permit outside counsel to assist the city with testing and to determine applicability of settlement dollars to Rochester Hills’ public water system. He emphasized that the city’s authorization to pursue testing and potential claims does not guarantee recovery; rather, the work will determine whether the city has a viable claim. Crist said there is an April 1 deadline to participate in having a claim filed in the MDL settlement process.
Council approved the proposed legal services agreement by voice vote. The authorization covers attorneys with experience in PFAS litigation who will undertake fact‑gathering, sampling coordination, and possible claim filings as warranted.
Next steps: City staff and authorized counsel will proceed with sampling and investigation as needed and will report findings to council; the city will make a decision about pursuing claims based on testing results and legal advice before or by the April 1 procedural deadline if filing is appropriate.
