BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji plans to seek a claim in a lawsuit against manufacturer DuPont as part of all PFAS-related drinking water claims in public water systems.
After discussing their options for 20 minutes in a closed session Monday, the Bemidji City Council unanimously approved directing staff to pursue a claim in this $1.185 billion class action lawsuit against a group of companies known as DuPont.
The class, settled in June, includes public water systems with a current detection of PFAS and those that are required to monitor for PFAS levels.
Bemidji’s five water wells are located underneath the Bemidji Regional Airport, and the source of PFAS contamination, first detected in low levels in 2015, points to the use of a DuPont firefighting foam used in training exercises.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called "forever chemicals" since this class of chemicals doesn't break down. These chemicals are in many common household items, like nonstick cookware and products like Scotchguard.
The city received $10.2 million in state bonding dollars for a 2-phase water treatment facility after the Minnesota Department of Health lowered its health guidance levels for PFAS in drinking water in 2017.
Health risks associated with PFAS-contaminated drinking water include increased risks of certain cancers, with those risks increasing for pregnant and nursing women and bottle-fed infants.
Bemidji also received a $12 million settlement from the 3M Corporation, which manufactured PFAS for use in numerous household and industrial products.
