Council to consider legal services for PFAS claim

At its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Los Alamos County Council will consider a recommendation from the County Manager and Utilities Manager to approve an agreement with the law firm Stag Liuzza LLC. The agreement would provide legal services to help the County pursue recovery of costs in a nationwide lawsuit involving damages to public drinking water and wastewater systems caused by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

 

While Los Alamos County’s drinking water remains safe, with PFAS levels well below federal standards, County officials recommend legal representation to secure potential settlement funds. The litigation provides more than $12 billion for public water suppliers to recover damages and remediate PFAS contamination. Based on population and current estimates, the County may be eligible for about $1.9 million in Phase 2 recovery.

 

PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in products such as cleaning supplies, water-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, personal care products, and stain-resistant coatings. Even though the County’s drinking water contains only trace amounts, everyday use of these products introduces additional PFAS into wastewater systems. New federal regulations are expected to affect the Department of Public Utilities’ (DPU) drinking water, wastewater and composting operations. Stricter monitoring, discharge and testing requirements could significantly increase expenses.

 

According to the DPU’s 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report, the Environmental Protection Agency has set enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, two common PFAS compounds. Local testing in 2021 found levels ranging from 0.350 to 0.775 ppt, well below the EPA standard. More information about PFAS is available at epa.gov/pfas.

 

The proposed contract with Stag Liuzza LLC would cover filing all required documents and costs for submitting the County’s claim. Compensation will be based on the method and amount of recovery. Applications for settlement proceeds are due Jan. 1, 2026.

 

The Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave. The agenda will be published on Friday, Oct. 3 and can be found online at the County’s legistar calendar.