Read the full article from Chris Hubbuch (Wisconsin State Journal)
“Wisconsin has chosen a California environmental law firm to help investigate and go after those responsible for PFAS contamination.
The Department of Justice on Wednesday said Sher Edling LLP has been awarded a contract to represent the state in cases involving ubiquitous hazardous compounds sometimes called ‘forever chemicals.’
According to the DOJ, the San Francisco firm, which represents other state and local governments in environmental cases, was the lowest bidder among finalists selected from 11 proposals.
Terms of the contract were not immediately available.
‘Every Wisconsinite—whether they live in the Driftless, the Central Sands, the Northwoods, or in the heart of our urban areas—should be able to trust the water from their tap. Period,’ said Governor Evers. ‘But for far too many Wisconsin households that is not the case, and I am glad we are moving forward to hold polluters accountable so we can clean up our water and protect the health and safety of our communities.’
With thousands of variations, PFAS have been used for decades in hundreds of products, including firefighting foam and water-resistant fabrics. Some compounds have been linked to cancer, liver disease and problems with the immune system.
The DNR is monitoring more than 40 PFAS contamination sites across the state, including in Madison, where they have resulted in health advisories for fish. PFAS have affected dozens of private drinking wells in La Crosse and Marinette.”…