Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vero Beach explores PFAS treatment pilot and has retained counsel to evaluate litigation options
Summary
City officials said they declined a nationwide class-action settlement, retained specialized counsel on an hourly basis to analyze the city’s position under new PFAS regulations, and noted staff are running a pilot study of two treatment processes to estimate scaling costs.
City officials told the City of Vero Beach council on May 12 they are actively preparing a response to PFAS contamination risks, combining technical pilot testing with legal review.
City Attorney John Turner said the city opted out of a prior nationwide class-action settlement and has retained a law firm with experience in PFAS matters on an hourly basis to analyze the city’s case under evolving regulatory guidance and to determine whether to proceed with litigation. "We opted out of that settlement opportunity and have proceeded with retaining a law firm," Turner said, adding the firm will perform an analysis before any decision to file suit.
At the same time, staff (Rob Bolton) are conducting a pilot study evaluating two treatment processes; the pilots will provide cost estimates and performance data that could inform a future scaled treatment plan and the city’s financial strategy. City Manager Monte Falls and councilors described the pilot study as foundational to understanding the cost of treatment and potential funding needs.
No final decision to sue was recorded at the meeting; the city will continue coordinating technical and legal analyses before determining next steps.
