Airports throughout the United States continue to address Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) concerns linked to long-term use of FAA-required firefighting foam (Aqueous Film Forming Foam or AFFF). PFAS Exposure has been linked to cancer and thyroid disease, reproductive and developmental harm, along with immune system and organ damage.

With litigation and the negotiation of national settlements underway and new regulatory requirements banning PFAS use, airports now have potential opportunities to recover costs tied to retrofitting firefighting and containment systems, remediating contaminated soil and groundwater, retraining personnel, and safely disposing of AFFF stock.

There is a multi-district federal court case that is being litigated that involves the various damages that have been caused by PFAS and related chemicals. One important facet of this litigation involves the impact of those chemicals on airports. As a substantial settlement may soon be reached involving these claims, it makes sense for many airports to enter into the litigation as plaintiffs in the next few weeks.  Because, in litigation like this, claimants who have filed complaints prior to a settlement being reached often fare better in the settlement process, airports should carefully assess the costs and benefits of entering into such litigation immediately. This webinar will help with that assessment.

The law firm of Grossman & Kelly is working with public entities to pursue claims under this settlement. Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter is serving as local counsel in this endeavor. You will hear the latest status of the PFAS litigation from them during the session.
At this online seminar, OAA members will learn about:

• The status of the national PFAS litigation and what it means for airports
• What is required to enter the litigation?
• What are the potential benefits to entering the litigation now vs. waiting for a settlement?
• Steps airports can take now to prepare for potential filings
• What environmental testing is required to support PFAS related claims?
• How PFAS related damages and likely recovery amounts are be calculated?