An enforcement action concerning the Clean Water Act and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has recently been registered in Michigan’s Kent County 17th Judicial Circuit. On September 11th, the Michigan Attorney General (AG) lodged a lawsuit against the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (“Airport Authority”) in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
According to the AG’s allegations, the Airport Authority has been involved in releasing PFAS into the below-ground water supply, hence breaching the protective provisions of the Clean Water Act.
JD Supra vouches for the continued adherence to the Clean Water Act, a federal law that sets comprehensive guidelines for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the US and managing quality standards for surface waters. Meanwhile, PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals”, are a large group of man-made chemicals that can remain in the human body for a long time, potentially causing harm.
The lawsuit filed by the Attorney General illustrates the growing concerns about PFAS contamination and how it impacts not just environmental regulations but also the operations of large corporations and facilities. Serious measures are being taken to ensure the law is adhered to, safeguarding public health and the environment.
As legal professionals, it is imperative to comprehend this significant legal action and its ramifications for business laws and practices, especially for those whose companies could be at a similar risk of non-compliance. The case also provides a reminder of the penalties of failing to comply with established environmental protocols and regulations.