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Oak Creek council votes to join PFAS litigation against 3M over contaminated turnout gear
Summary
The Oak Creek Common Council voted unanimously April 21 to participate in litigation against 3M over PFAS‑contaminated firefighter turnout gear and directed staff to take steps to file claims on behalf of the city.
The Oak Creek Common Council voted April 21 to join litigation against 3M concerning per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in firefighter turnout gear and directed city staff to proceed with the steps necessary to file claims on the city’s behalf.
Mark moved the motion to approve the city’s participation in the litigation pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana (case no. 2:25‑CV‑00036). The motion, seconded and called for roll call, passed with all members voting in favor.
Council discussion on the matter occurred in closed session under Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(g), allowing the body to consult with legal counsel about litigation the city is likely to become involved in. The resolution approved after reconvening in open session authorized participation in the case described in the closed session notice and directed staff to take the administrative and legal steps needed to formally file claims.
No additional legal strategy or dollar amounts were disclosed in open session. The council’s action leaves the city positioned to pursue recovery or remediation claims tied to PFAS contamination of equipment used by local firefighters.
The council did not specify a timeline for filings in open session; staff were directed to proceed with preparing claims and coordinating with outside counsel and partner jurisdictions as appropriate.
