Fort Worth seeks $400 million from Defense Department, chemical companies over PFAS
The city of Fort Worth wants the Defense Department and chemical manufacturers to pay for the damage purportedly caused by PFAS — commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
The chemicals, used in products including Teflon pans and firefighting foams, don’t break down and can pose serious heath risks to the public, according to the lawsuit filed March 10. The city is alleging the companies and the Defense Department are responsible for water contamination around the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.
The companies include DuPont, 3M and RTX Corp., formerly known as Raytheon.
The lawsuit comes roughly a year and a half after the city council voted to opt out of a settlement with the companies.
“Rather than accepting a national settlement that would have provided inadequate compensation, Fort Worth has chosen to pursue our own legal action,” said Reyne Telles, the city’s chief communications officer, in an email to the Star-Telegram.
The city is seeking $400 million in damages to make sure residents don’t have to pay for the cleanup, Telles said.
The city is also asking the court to find the companies liable for future damages from the chemicals and require the companies to help with cleanup, according to the court filing.
“We are committed to protecting our drinking water and public health; this legal action is necessary in that effort,” Telles said.
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