Across the country, municipalities are facing a mounting challenge: holding chemical manufacturers accountable for pervasive environmental contamination while updating public infrastructure to meet increasingly stringent safety standards.
A major victory was recently secured for the City of Trenton, New Jersey. Represented by Stag Liuzza, Trenton Water Works (TWW) secured approximately $11.3 million in settlement funds through nationwide multi-district litigation targeting manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), more commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
This recovery represents a crucial step in ensuring that the financial burden of removing toxic contaminants falls on the corporations responsible for creating them, rather than on local taxpayers and utility ratepayers.
Holding “Forever Chemical” Manufacturers Accountable
PFAS are a class of persistent, synthetic chemicals used for decades in industrial applications and consumer goods, from firefighting foams (AFFF) to non-stick cookware, due to their resistance to heat, oil, and water. Because they do not break down naturally, these substances migrate into soil and groundwater, accumulating in public drinking water supplies across the nation.
To address this widespread contamination, public water utilities and local governments have taken legal action. Stag Liuzza represents public water systems and municipalities nationwide in these complex cases. Notably, firm CEO and Managing Partner Michael G. Stag serves on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the federal AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL), helping drive national efforts to secure clean-water funding for impacted communities.
How Trenton Water Works Will Invest the $11.3 Million
While Trenton Water Works currently delivers drinking water with trace PFAS levels among the lowest in New Jersey, frequently near or below laboratory detection limits, meeting modern regulatory standards requires proactive investment.
New Jersey has been a pioneer in environmental health, setting strict drinking water limits for PFOA (14 parts per trillion) and PFOS/PFNA (13 parts per trillion). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced even tighter federal limits of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. To put that in perspective, one part per trillion is roughly equal to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools.
To continuously meet and exceed these strict thresholds, TWW will deploy its settlement proceeds over the next 36 months to fund key capital improvements:
- Upgrading Carbon Treatment Systems: Enhancing the water filtration plant’s specialized treatment technology to filter out trace organic contaminants.
- Modernizing Water Testing Laboratories: Equipping TWW’s state-certified laboratory with state-of-the-art analytical equipment to detect and measure contaminants at extremely low concentrations.
- Expanding Infrastructure Reliability: Complementing TWW’s broader 10-year, $763 million Capital Improvement Plan to upgrade treatment, pumping, storage, and metering capabilities.
A Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Environmental Litigation
This $11.3 million settlement is part of a broader commitment by Stag Liuzza to protect public health and defend natural resources. As a nationally recognized environmental and complex litigation law firm, Stag Liuzza has recovered over $16 billion in settlements and $1 billion in jury verdicts for clients across the country.
By fully capitalizing cases and advancing all litigation costs, including expert scientific consultants, Stag Liuzza levels the playing field against Fortune 500 chemical companies and industrial polluters.
Partnering to Protect Local Communities
If your municipality, public water utility, or community is dealing with the financial impact of PFAS contamination, toxic exposure, or environmental pollution, having experienced environmental litigators is essential.
To learn more about environmental litigation or to discuss a potential case, contact Stag Liuzza at (504) 593-9600 or visit stagliuzza.com.