Kira Erickson reports from the Langley City Council meeting of Mon., Nov. 6, 2023 for the South Whidbey Record.
The Langley City Council has decided to opt out of class action settlements regarding “forever chemicals” known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in drinking water….
The class action settlements are intended to resolve claims for PFAS contamination in public water systems, which are included in the settlement unless they formally opt out. The city has until Dec. 4 to opt out of the DuPont settlement and Dec. 11 to opt out of the 3M settlement.
[Langley Public Works Director Randi] Perry said city staff sampled Langley drinking water for PFAS, as required by the state Department of Health, in August. None was detected. She recommended that the city opt out of the settlements, since water systems that decide to stay in it must waive their rights for any further litigation against the companies….
The Langley City Council voted unanimously to opt out of the DuPont and 3M settlements.
They Said It
“The city does not currently have detections of PFAS, but will continue to monitor per the Department of Health recommendation, as it is possible that contamination at some point could be present,” [Perry] said.
Councilmember Rhonda Salerno asked if the town of Coupeville, which has had documented PFAS contamination in water systems, is planning to opt out of the settlements. Perry responded that Coupeville’s public works director is recommending that the town opt out.
“That really is telling,” Salerno said.
