PFAS Government Remediation Lawsuit

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as perfluoroalkyl substances, have been widely used across multiple industries for decades. Corporations such as DuPont and 3M incorporated PFAS into manufacturing to enhance product performance and scale revenues. These chemicals are integral to processes in water treatment and textile production and are prevalent in upholstery, fabric, and carpet manufacturing—driving annual revenues estimated around $1 billion. PFAS are also found in polishes, paints, surface sprays, and lubricants, contributing another estimated $100 million in yearly sales. Despite their utility, PFAS have been linked to significant health and environmental harm, prompting rising public concern and litigation.

What Is PFAS Used For?

PFAS remain a critical component in a wide array of modern products and industrial applications, including:

• Medical devices
• Industrial inks
• Hydraulic fluids for aerospace and automotive sectors
• Colors and toners for printers and copiers
• Food packaging and metal plating processes
• Non-stick cookware coatings

Why PFAS Are a Legal and Public Health Issue

PFAS are persistent chemicals associated with human health risks. Mountaineer Criminal Law Group is actively investigating complaints alleging government entities and contractors allowed or contributed to PFAS contamination across various industries. Due to their widespread use, PFAS frequently appear in both private and public water systems. Remediation is technically complex and extremely costly, which is why affected communities often turn to legal action to recover cleanup expenses and protect public health. If your municipality is exploring legal options, a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer with environmental litigation experience can help assess liability and potential recovery pathways.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

PFAS usage spans several decades, and these “forever chemicals” do not readily break down. They accumulate in soil, groundwater, and surface water, spreading far beyond the original source.

• According to a June 2017 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), tap water in approximately 27 states showed severe contamination, affecting roughly 15 million Americans.
• Because PFAS resist degradation, contamination can persist for years, potentially impacting ecosystems and water supplies for generations.

Persistence in the Environment

PFAS are highly stable and mobile. They can migrate through soil into aquifers and travel great distances via waterways. This persistence complicates cleanup and increases costs for local governments and residents. Strategic litigation can be an important tool to seek funds for long-term monitoring and treatment; discussing options with a Pittsburgh DUI attorney who understands complex regulatory frameworks may also surface related defense and compliance considerations for local businesses.

Health Impacts Linked to PFAS Exposure

PFAS exposure has been associated with serious health outcomes in peer-reviewed studies and public health assessments.

• Elevated risk of kidney cancer and testicular cancer
• Thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism
• Ulcerative colitis
• Hematological (blood) disorders
• Autoimmune conditions
• Infertility and other reproductive challenges
• High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
• Pregnancy complications, including toxemia (preeclampsia)

Community Health Concerns

Long-term exposure through drinking water, food, or ambient environmental pathways increases cumulative risk. Communities near industrial sites, airports, and military installations are particularly vulnerable. If your neighborhood has reported contaminated wells or municipal sources, consulting a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help clarify reporting duties, preserve evidence, and evaluate potential claims against responsible parties.

How PFAS Enter Water Supplies

PFAS contamination often originates from manufacturing, processing, and waste disposal practices.

• Industrial wastewater discharges and landfill leachate can infiltrate groundwater.
• Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), used at fire training academies and during major fire incidents, is a significant source of PFAS contamination.
• Aviation and aerospace facilities may use PFAS-containing lubricants and hydraulic fluids, with potential releases into surrounding soil and water.

Known Contamination Hotspots

Historical PFAS use at military bases and airports—such as installations overseen by the U.S. Air Force—has resulted in documented groundwater impacts near training and operations sites. Environmental sampling often detects PFAS in wells near these facilities, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation plans coordinated with public health authorities. Legal action can help ensure responsible parties contribute to cleanup; a Pittsburgh DUI attorney with experience in administrative proceedings can also guide local companies on compliance to avoid collateral enforcement actions.

PFAS Removal and Remediation

Removing PFAS from water is technically challenging and expensive. Treatment strategies must be tailored to the specific PFAS profile and concentration.

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filtration: Often used to reduce PFAS and PFOS levels by up to 99.9% when regularly maintained and optimized.
• Short-Chain PFAS Challenges: Shorter-chain compounds may require advanced methods—such as ion exchange resins or high-pressure membrane filtration—often at higher operational costs.

The Cost of Cleanup

Communities may need to install specialized treatment equipment—commonly exceeding $1 million for initial setup—plus significant ongoing maintenance expenditures. Public entities, water authorities, and private well owners may seek recovery of these costs through litigation or settlement with manufacturers and other liable parties. To navigate these complex cases, consider speaking with a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who can coordinate with environmental counsel on evidence preservation, governmental reporting, and parallel investigations.

Why Choose Mountaineer Criminal Law Group

Mountaineer Criminal Law Group advocates for communities and individuals impacted by PFAS contamination. Our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys investigate potential claims, coordinate with technical experts, and pursue compensation to fund treatment systems, medical monitoring, and property damage recovery.

How We Support Affected Communities

• Comprehensive investigation of contamination sources and responsible parties
• Collaboration with environmental engineers and toxicologists
• Strategic litigation to seek remediation funding and community relief
• Transparent communication with residents and local officials

If your water supply has tested positive for PFAS or you suspect contamination near industrial, firefighting, or military sites, contact Mountaineer Criminal Law Group for a free consultation. A Pittsburgh DUI attorney on our team can also advise businesses on compliance measures that reduce risk while broader environmental claims proceed.

Additional Legal Services

While our focus here is PFAS remediation and related litigation, Mountaineer Criminal Law Group also represents clients in criminal defense matters, including DUI cases in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Whether you need guidance on environmental compliance issues that intersect with criminal liability or direct representation in a separate matter, our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyer team is equipped to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes PFAS so difficult to remove?

PFAS are chemically stable and resist heat, water, and oil, which makes them effective in manufacturing but extremely hard to break down in nature. Treatment requires specialized systems such as GAC, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis, with routine media changes and careful monitoring.

How widespread is PFAS contamination in the United States?

Reports such as the EWG’s June 2017 analysis identified contamination in water systems across approximately 27 states, affecting around 15 million people. Subsequent sampling in various regions has continued to find PFAS in municipal and private wells, particularly near industrial facilities and military sites.

Can communities recover the cost of installing treatment systems?

Yes. Many municipalities pursue claims against manufacturers and other responsible parties to fund treatment infrastructure, long-term monitoring, and maintenance. Legal teams commonly pair scientific evidence with regulatory findings to build strong recovery cases. Consulting a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help align local compliance obligations with broader litigation strategies.

Are there non-water exposure routes?

Yes. PFAS can be found in certain food packaging, industrial dust, and consumer products such as non-stick cookware coatings. While drinking water is a primary concern in many regions, exposure can occur through multiple pathways.

Take the Next Step

If your community is facing PFAS contamination—or you’re unsure but concerned—reach out to Mountaineer Criminal Law Group. We will review test results, evaluate potential claims, and connect you (304) 381-3656 with technical experts. For businesses navigating regulatory scrutiny, a Pittsburgh DUI attorney from our team can address related compliance questions and safeguarding measures.