© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Hoosick Falls Mayor Discusses Decision To Sue Over PFOA

Rob Allen
Rob Allen
/
Twitter
Rob Allen

The village of Hoosick Falls has voted to file two lawsuits related to the contamination of water supplies with the chemical PFOA. The first measure approved by the village board Tuesday night directs Albany lawfirm Nolan and Heller to begin litigation against Saint-Gobain and Honeywell, two companies being investigated for the PFOA contamination of local water supplies. The second measure allows the village to take legal action against firm Fitzgerald Morris Baker Firth PC, which the village board had initially retained to negotiate with the companies but later dropped amid widespread community opposition to a proposed partial settlement agreement. Together,  Fitzgerlad Morris Baker Firth and public relations firm Behan Communications are seeking more than a half-million dollars for time spent advising the village under the previous administration. WAMC’s Brian Shields spoke Wednesday with Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen.

In a statement, Saint-Gobain said:

"Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and Honeywell have been in continuous dialogue with this administration, as well as the previous, to provide reimbursements to the Village for the actual costs it incurred to investigate and install the filtration systems that ensure Village residents have access to potable drinking water. These filtration systems have been in place since Spring 2016. We are disappointed that the Village of Hoosick Falls has chosen to pursue a path of litigation rather than one of continuing dialogue, as Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and its employees are an integral part of the Village community. Together with Honeywell, we will continue to work with the regulatory agencies under the State’s leadership on the investigation and remediation efforts."

In a statement, Honeywell said:

“We have worked hard to resolve these issues and are committed to continued dialogue with the Village.  We also remain focused on working with all parties under the supervision of state agencies on the environmental investigations and cleanup plans for Hoosick Falls.”

 

Related Content