The city of Two Rivers has decided to opt out of a class action lawsuit.
During their work session meeting on Monday (November 27th), the council voted 7-1 to not get money from a settlement from two companies, 3M, and Dupont.
The lawsuits stem from getting PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, into drinking water and affects every US State.
City Manager Greg Buckley said there was too much risk.
“The main concern is that it’s unknown what liabilities might be in the future,” he explained. “If you participate in the settlement it essentially takes these two major corporations off the hook as far as any future claims related to contamination of drinking water.”
He called it a “tough decision” for the council because members were going back and forth about what should be done.
Buckley says about $10.5 to $12 billion will be given out by the companies, but there were just too many uncertainties, including how much each municipality would get.
The Manitowoc Common Council also discussed the lawsuit, but we have yet to receive word on if any decision was made.
Cities around Wisconsin that have also opted out include Germantown, Steven’s Point, Appleton, and Janesville, however cities like Wausau opted in because of a 3M plant working in their city.
