SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The City of Sioux Falls and the Regional Airport Authority have both filed lawsuits against DuPont, 3M, and other chemical companies.
Airport Authority Attorney Steve Johnson says fire fighting foam once used and stored at the airport was toxic and contaminated some water wells. Remediation will cost millions.
“To have these wells cleaned up, the contamination removed, and restore the soil and the wells.”
Johnson says the suit contends that the chemical makers knew components of the foam were potential health risks.
City Spokesman T.J. Nelson says there is no current danger to drinking water because the contaminated wells are no longer used.
“The Sioux Falls Water Division continues to monitor the source water and drinking water for PFOS and PFOA. The affected wells remain offline and disconnected from the City’s water system.”
Nelson says the fire fighting foam used by Sioux Falls Fire Rescue since 2003 does not contain the same compounds at issue in the lawsuits.
The city and the airport are part of a multi-litigation action filed in South Carolina, involving approximately 100 government entities that are seeking damages from the chemical companies.
