PFAS Advisory Sign, January 4, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A trial regarding PFAS pollution in Marinette County is now scheduled to begin March 3.
In March 2022, the state Dept. of Justice filed the civil lawsuit, alleging Johnson Controls and Tyco Fire Products violated the state’s hazardous substance spills law. According to the complaint, the companies failed to notify the DNR of a PFAS discharge. It also states they failed to clean up contamination at and around the Fire Technology Center in Marinette. Tyco has denied the allegations.
The trial had been set for Dec. 3, but after several changes of the judge handling the case, it now is being heard by Brown County Judge Tammy Jo Hock.
A three-week bench trial is planned, meaning the judge will decide the verdict, not a jury.
According to the complaint, the companies failed to notify the DNR of a PFAS discharge. It also states they failed to clean up contamination at and around the Fire Technology Center in Marinette.
As part of this lawsuit, the state is seeking a monetary penalty from Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco for violations of the hazardous substance spills law and injunctive relief requiring the companies to complete an investigation and cleanup of the PFAS contamination at and around the Fire Technology Center.
PFAS are man-made chemicals found in a number of products, including fire-fighting foam. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PFAS can increase cancer risk and can affect growth, learning and women’s fertility.
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