Illinois AG Filed Lawsuit against Coal Mine for PFAS Contamination

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit against Sugar Camp Energy for polluting nearby water sources with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through its use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam in a coal mine. PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are toxic substances that never entirely break down in the human body or the environment, and which have been linked to serious human health and environmental harms. After being used to put out a fire in the coal mine, the foam was found on nearby properties and in nearby bodies of water, where testing revealed the presence of PFAS. By discharging PFAS-contaminated water, the lawsuit alleged that the company violated its permit for the coal mine as well as the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.

• Documents: ComplaintIL Press Release
• Document Type: Complaints Press Releases/Statements
• States: Illinois
• Issues: Coal Fossil Fuels PFAS Public Health Public Lands & Wildlife Toxics Water Water Pollution Wildlife
• Era: Non-Federal
• Action Type: Environmental Enforcement Litigation