Ohio Allocates $65 Million from DuPont Settlement to Upgrade Drinking Water Infrastructure
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John Logue announced on Monday the distribution of $65 million in funding from a 2023 environmental restoration settlement with DuPont. The funds will be directed toward improving drinking water infrastructure in several Ohio counties affected by chemical contamination.
The settlement stems from a lawsuit DeWine filed in 2018 while serving as Ohio’s attorney general. The lawsuit accused DuPont of releasing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a harmful chemical, into the air and the Ohio River from its Washington Works facility in Parkersburg, West Virginia. PFOA, commonly used in the production of Teflon products from the 1950s until 2013, has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and other chronic conditions.
Ohio was the first state to legally challenge DuPont over its use of PFOA, marking a significant victory for environmental accountability. However, payment of the settlement funds was delayed due to legal appeals. The Ohio Controlling Board recently granted final approval, paving the way for the funds to be distributed.
The $65 million will support drinking water infrastructure projects in Belmont, Gallia, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, and Washington counties. These funds will be used to develop new drinking water sources, connect smaller water systems to larger regional systems, install treatment infrastructure to remove PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from public water systems, and connect private wells with PFAS detections to nearby public water systems.
“Access to safe drinking water is essential for every Ohio community,” DeWine emphasized during the announcement. “These funding awards will be used to make critical improvements to local water systems that will protect public health and strengthen drinking water infrastructure for years to come.”
John Logue, Ohio EPA Director, highlighted the urgency of the projects. “This settlement ensures resources are going directly to the communities that need them,” Logue said. “Ohio EPA is focused on getting these projects moving so residents have safe, reliable drinking water and long-term protections for Ohio families.”
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about PFAS contamination nationwide. These chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been detected in water systems across the country, prompting increased scrutiny and regulatory action.
Ohio’s proactive approach to addressing PFAS contamination through legal action and infrastructure investment sets a benchmark for other states grappling with similar challenges. The $65 million allocation is expected to benefit more than a dozen Ohio communities, ensuring safer drinking water and improved public health outcomes.
As the projects move forward, residents in the affected counties can expect enhanced water systems designed to meet modern safety standards. This initiative not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient water infrastructure in Ohio.
— Reported by Nexio News
