MORE “FOREVER CHEMICAL” SETTLEMENTS PROPOSED

You will recall that the City has been a part of several lawsuits – both individually and as part of a Class – related to per- and/or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in our groundwater. Known colloquially as “forever chemicals”, this contamination is becoming pervasive nationwide. Previous settlements are being used to add treatment to our water wells to remove these and other harmful contaminants.

There is now another group of settlements being proposed with Carrier, Amerex, Archroma, and Nation Ford in response to class action lawsuits nationwide. These companies manufactured aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in association with previous defendants 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF. The latest proposed settlements are scheduled for a final approval hearing on January 15, 2027. The total settlement amounts are considerably smaller than the 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF settlements, with $129.2 million for Carrier, $4 million for Amerex, $14 million for Archroma, and $1.86 million for Nation Ford. The City of Arcadia will be in the class unless we object. Given prior direction, our intent is to remain in the class. We need to provide notice by December 22 if we want to opt-out. If any Council Member would like to discuss this option further, please let me or Mike Maurer know prior to that date. Otherwise, we do not need to take any formal action to remain in the settlement group and will receive whatever share we are entitled to.