Michigan AG Sued Airport Authority over PFAS Contamination

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

In September 2023, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit against the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority over its use of firefighting foam that contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals. According to the lawsuit, the airport authority has been warned repeatedly that its release of PFAS into the nearby groundwater supply endangers nearby communities, specifically by contaminating residential drinking water. The lawsuit seeks injunctive and declaratory relief, past and future remediation and monitoring costs, and damages for the loss and destruction of natural resources.

In December 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan remanded the lawsuit back to state court. AG Nessel issued the following statement: “This case should have rightfully remained in State court as we’ve contended violations of State environmental and public health laws. I am grateful for the efforts of my department’s litigators to return this case to the proper State venue, where we will continue to pursue our claims against the Authority until a satisfactory result is reached that protects the public and the environment. The Airport Authority has consistently refuted their responsibility to clean up their own mess, and that is why we are in court—to compel them to act responsibly and repair the harm they’ve inflicted on the State’s natural resources as well as their neighbors’ drinking water supply.”