KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City announced today its intent to file a legal complaint seeking damages related to environmental contamination caused by PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," found in firefighting foam historically used at municipal facilities.
The complaint will be filed in United States District Court of South Carolina where AFFF cases are being heard. It is part of a growing national effort by local governments to hold chemical manufacturers accountable for the widespread pollution caused by Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)-a substance used for decades to suppress fuel fires at airports, military bases, and industrial sites.
Kansas City's legal action focuses on contamination linked to AFFF use at and around facilities operated by the Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) and KC Water.
"The health and safety of our residents is Kansas City's highest priority. The lawsuit over PFAS chemicals ensures that the costs of addressing long-term contamination are not solely shouldered by Kansas Citians" says Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "These 'forever chemicals' have contaminated water systems across the nation. We are committed to protecting our community's drinking water while ensuring that those who created this environmental crisis bear the financial responsibility for remediation."
What Are PFAS and Why They Matter
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a class of human-made chemicals known for their durability and resistance to heat, oil, and water. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health concerns, including cancer, liver damage, as well as reproductive and immune system impacts. They persist in the environment and can accumulate in soil, groundwater, and drinking water systems.
AFFF, which contains PFAS compounds, was widely used in firefighting operations-including those at Kansas City's airport-as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required before the risks were fully understood.
City's Response and Legal Strategy
Kansas City is seeking to recover the costs associated with:
· Environmental testing and monitoring
· Groundwater and soil remediation
· Compliance with evolving federal and state PFAS regulations
· Long-term public health and infrastructure upgrades
The City is working with Grant & Eisenhofer, Pawa Law Group, and Earth & Water Law which are representing numerous municipalities in similar cases nationwide.
A centralized webpage with FAQs and background materials will be made available at https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/law/pfas-litigation Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to refer to that resource for the most accurate and timely information.
