JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Jasper’s Board of Mayor & Aldermen (BoMA) has recently approved a contract dedicated to researching PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals in the area.
City Attorney Mark Raines Jr. explained how Northwest Group Services, a major financial and insurance provider out of Maumee, OH., has recently contacted the city regarding litigation funds centered on PFAS chemicals. PFAS chemicals, or “forever chemicals,” are man-made contaminants utilized for a variety of products ranging from cookware to stain-resistant fabrics.
Raines Jr. noted that the organization is aiming to test local water sources for PFAS contaminants, and by doing so, the company would then file an official claim regarding any contaminants found, allowing the city to potentially receive funding from a nationwide fund pool paid in by major companies that produce PFAS chemicals.
“My recommendation to the board is that we enter into an agreement with the organization,” stated Raines Jr.
Raines Jr. further detailed under the contract that no bidding is required to proceed further with PFAS testing, as by law, PFAS testing is considered a professional service. Additionally, the contract is under a 60/40 split in any funds received from what Raines Jr. called the “super fund,” the national fund pool paid in from PFAS-based corporations. Within the split, Jasper’s city board would receive 60% of the funds from the pool, all the while an attorney’s fee of 40% would need to be paid from any funds earned.
“This is money that we weren’t aware of in the first place,” said Raines Jr.
Once all information was shared, Jasper’s BoMA unanimously agreed to sign the PFAS contract from Northwest Group Services. All testing for PFAS chemicals is expected to be complete by the end of the year.