Wisconsin Residents File Lawsuit Against Paper Mill Over Contamination from Forever Chemicals
Residents in the Town of Stella, Wisconsin, have filed a lawsuit against Ahlstrom-Munksjö Rhinelander plant, accusing it of spreading harmful forever chemicals on nearby farm fields and contaminating private wells. Four residents initiated the lawsuit, but more are expected to join as the case progresses.
According to the complaint, the plant and its predecessors disposed of waste containing PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, on farmland in Stella and throughout Oneida County. Despite knowledge of the dangers associated with PFAS, the companies continued this practice. PFAS-laden sludge from the paper mill was used as low-cost fertilizer on potato fields surrounding the town.
Residents in Stella have seen well water contaminated with PFAS levels reaching 36,000 parts per trillion, far exceeding the recommended federal standard of 4 parts per trillion. These levels are among the highest recorded in the country and pose a significant health risk to the community.
Attorney Brett Land, of Baron & Budd law firm, mentioned that the residents have no alternative source of drinking water nearby, which is why they have taken legal action. Although the Department of Natural Resources has yet to determine the exact cause of the contamination, research indicates that the sludge from the paper mill is largely responsible, given the mill’s history of using PFAS-laden products. Besides Ahlstrom-Munksjö Rhinelander, residents have included 3M as a manufacturer of the harmful chemicals in the lawsuit, along with unidentified John Doe companies that may be discovered during the litigation process.
This lawsuit is the latest in a series against manufacturers of PFAS and PFAS-containing products. Tyco Fire Products recently settled a class-action lawsuit brought by hundreds of residents in Peshtigo, where the contamination has had a severe impact. Municipalities, including Wausau, Dane County, and the City of La Crosse, have also filed suits against manufacturers. All of these community-level lawsuits are being consolidated in a federal court in South Carolina, with settlements being discussed, including a $10.3 billion proposal by 3M to compensate impacted communities over a 13-year span.
The Stella lawsuit is particularly significant as it targets a company alleged to have used PFAS and then sold the contaminated waste sludge. According to the complaint, Ahlstrom did not inform property owners about the dangers associated with PFAS, nor did they warn other potentially affected communities. Ahlstrom responded by stating that the activities mentioned in the complaint allegedly occurred prior to their acquisition of the mill in 2018.
The contamination in Stella not only affects residents’ access to drinking water but also impacts other daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, and gardening. The presence of PFAS compounds in the water can lead to contaminated produce, forcing residents to choose between consuming potentially harmful produce or giving up their cherished gardening practices.
PFAS chemicals, commonly found in products for their water- and stain-resistant properties, have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and hormone regulation. The chemicals primarily enter the human body through drinking water. Wisconsin has seen widespread PFAS contamination across the state.
The lawsuit in Stella highlights the urgent need for action to address the spread of forever chemicals and hold companies accountable for their actions. The residents hope that through legal proceedings, they can obtain the assistance and justice they need to mitigate the impacts of PFAS contamination.
