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Hermiston authorizes joining PFAS product‑liability litigation to seek relief for treatment costs
Summary
After a work‑session briefing, the council unanimously approved Resolution 2419 authorizing the city to participate in PFAS product‑liability litigation on advice that potential recoveries could offset future treatment or remediation costs.
Hermiston council unanimously authorized Resolution 2419 to allow the city to participate in ongoing product‑liability litigation against manufacturers of PFAS chemicals. Staff explained PFAS (called "PAS" in the meeting) have been used widely in products such as firefighting foam and fabric treatments and that litigation against manufacturers could secure funds to offset treatment or remediation costs for contaminated water sources.
Public commenters urged the council to join the litigation promptly; one commenter said local PFAS tests showed levels above federal limits and warned that delayed participation could exclude the city from future recovery opportunities. Council members approved the authorization and staff will proceed to engage the recommended legal team.
