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Pertaining to authorizing staff to file an additional claim in the multi-district litigation settlement of Aqueous Film-Forming Product Liability Litigation, which now includes Tyco Fire Products and BASF Corporation as Settling Defendants.
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WHEREAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) and perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) are a large group of human-made chemicals, components of which may be linked to harmful effects in humans, animals, and the environment; and
WHEREAS, as a public water system, the Saint Paul Regional Water Services is committed to providing safe, clean drinking water; and
WHEREAS, detectable levels of "forever chemicals" such as PFAS and PFOA have been located in public water system sources throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, many of these chemicals were introduced into public water sources via their presence in common products such as clothing and other fabrics, personal care products, firefighting foam, and non-stick and stain-repellant coatings; and
WHEREAS, Tyco Fire Products and BASF Corporation were sued in U.S. District Court over their development and sale of these forever chemicals and, as part of the settlement, public water systems may qualify for a portion of the claim settlement funds to be used for the testing and treating of PFAS contamination; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Water Commissioners desires to file a claim in this settlement with the hope that settlement proceeds may be received to aid the Saint Paul Regional Water Services in its mission of providing safe, clean drinking water; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes and directs staff, to file claims in both the Tyco Fire Products and BASF Corporation settlements and to take any and all steps necessary to receive settlement proceeds.