DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP (KYW Newsradio) — Bucks County is suing the makers of a chemical found in fire-fighting foam used at the county’s public safety training center for decades.
Standing in front of Bucks County’s fire training tower, County Commissioner Bob Harvie said tests show the presence of PFAS in the environment around the public training center, even though the companies listed in the suit have stopped using them.
“The manufacturers knew these products pose dangers, but did not disclose this knowledge when they sold their products," said Harvie about the lawsuit which you can read below.
“They continue to make and market the product without ever disclosing to anybody that the danger was present.”
“You can go through line by line to see specific allegations. And there's some pretty chilling details about the kinds of things that these companies knew and kept quiet and sold to a unsuspecting and unknowing public.”
PFAS are known as forever chemicals, as they do not break down and biodegrade. Harvie said their presence in testing led to a “do not eat advisory” for any fish caught in the Neshaminy Creek.
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The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is also pursuing the case under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
“Fish from the Neshaminy Creek watershed which fronts right behind this location, and all through Bucks County are under a 'do not eat' advisory due to the levels of PFAS detected in them. You literally cannot eat the fish that you catch.”
The suit seeks civil penalties, fines and restoration.
PFAS have gained national headlines as military bases and surrounding areas deal with the chemicals in drinking water, such as the Willow Grove Naval Air Station.
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Horsham and surrounding areas have installed filters to get to a non-detect level in drinking water, which is below the advisory level.
Environmental groups say state and federal agencies are not properly regulating PFAS levels in drinking water.
KYW Newsradio has reached out to some of the companies named in the suit. 3M responded with the following statement:
"3M acted responsibly in connection with products containing PFAS, including AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), and will vigorously defend its record of environmental stewardship."
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