STUART, Fla. — Stuart commissioners on Friday gave approval to a settlement with chemical manufacturer 3M over claims of water contamination from "forever chemicals."
"We are very pleased to reach a settlement and grateful we were part of the solution for the global resolution of the whole case," Stuart City Attorney Mike Mortell said.
Stuart was the lead in the lawsuit that reportedly involves as many as 4,000 cities and municipalities around the country.
Substances known as PFAS were believed to be the contaminants from firefighting foam that was used in Stuart.
"We just hosed it with straight water. We hosed it down into the ground," Stuart Fire Chief Vincent Felicione said. "The inherent risk we take on is one thing. This was risk we didn't know about."
Felicione said they used firefighting foam from 3M for years.
"Well, me personally, I've been exposed and dealing with it for over 25 years," Felicione said. "It's a big relief for us from the firefighters' perspective. It's been pretty stressful for us."
The foam, which leaked into drinking water, was later discovered to cause multiple illnesses such as high blood pressure, weakened immune system, cancer risks and more.
The settlement, worth about $10 billion, will eventually go toward all of the cities making claims.
Stuart officials are not saying how much they will receive, but $100 million is one figure that is being circulated.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss the terms of the settlement, but I can say it's my personal opinion that it was a very fair and equitable solution and resolution," Mortell said.
Stuart Mayor Troy McDonald also called the settlement "very satisfying."
The city has already invested millions into water treatment and filtration systems to alleviate the contamination.
"Our No. 1 goal is to have safe drinking water for all of our residents," McDonald said. "We have already mitigated any issues involving this contamination, and so we're just moving forward, and we want to let our residents know that their water is safe, and we're always going to fight to have safe water."
Money from the settlement is expected to reimburse the investments and other issues going forward.
"I think the lesson learned is that a little city like Stuart can actually go out and fight and stand up for what's right and win," Felicione said.
This is all still part of active litigation, but McDonald said Stuart could see the money sometime next year.
