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Staff recommends joining PFAS settlement claims; engagement and resolution expected at next meeting
Summary
A staff member recommended the city consider joining PFAS litigation claims that could fund testing and remediation; the staff member said the outreach law firm works on contingency, that testing will be required, and that a sign-up deadline is July 31 with an engagement letter and resolution to appear at the next meeting.
A staff member summarized a webinar on PFAS litigation and recommended the council consider joining a negotiated settlement that may include pots of money for municipalities, noting a sign-up deadline of July 31.
The staff member said PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, ubiquitous in many municipal water systems — are likely present in Vernon’s system and that different "pots of money" will be available depending on measured levels and remediation needs. He recommended council "consider joining into this," explaining the law firm operates on a contingency basis and would bring in testing resources as part of its work.
The staff member advised that an engagement letter and a resolution authorizing the city's participation would be presented at the next meeting. He cautioned that there may be reporting requirements and conditions attached to funds, and that the city would pay costs only if it chose to proceed following testing and qualification for funds.
