Town of Peshtigo sues companies over PFAS contamination
TOWN OF PESHTIGO, Wis. (WLUK) -- The town of Peshtigo is suing several businesses alleged to have contaminated area waterways with PFAS.
The suit against Tyco Fire Products, Johnson Controls, ChemDesign and Chemguard was filed this week in state court. It asks that the companies pay to clean up the pollution and secure safe drinking water for town residents, as well as punitive damages against the companies.
PFAS -- perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances -- are sometimes described as "forever chemicals" because some don't naturally degrade. They have been linked to health problems in humans.
The complaint states that the companies released PFAS from properties within 10 miles of the town of Marinette. This includes Tyco's Fire Technology Center in Marinette County; PFAS have been used in the firefighting foam tested at the site.
The town of Peshtigo's suit is similar to ones filed by the state earlier this year.
Last month, Tyco unveiled a groundwater treatment and extraction system it says will remove 95% of PFAS from groundwater.
Tyco has not responded to the lawsuit or to FOX 11's request for comment.
