Bridgeport receives second payment in national lawsuit

Bridgeport Village Council recently received its second payment from a nationwide class action lawsuit that dates back three years. During a recent council meeting, Law Director Michael Shaheen presented a check for $306,660 to the council, marking the second installment from the lawsuit.

The lawsuit stemmed from a contamination issue discovered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in 2020, revealing high levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in two of the village’s five drinking water wells. PFAs, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are challenging to eliminate from the water supply, posing a significant health risk.

Shaheen explained that after realizing the extent of the contamination, he engaged environmental attorneys to represent the village in the legal battle. Bridgeport stood as one of the leading municipalities involved in the nationwide litigation, alongside several others facing similar issues with PFAs in their water systems.

Collaborating with a law firm based in Louisiana, Cossich, Sumich, Parsiola & Taylor LLC, Shaheen navigated the complexities of the legal process. While this latest check represents the village’s second payment in the case, it marks the sole contribution from DuPont, with more funds expected to arrive in the future.

Shaheen anticipates that the total settlement amount could exceed $1 million once all payments are disbursed. However, final figures remain uncertain, as national firms engaged in the lawsuit will require fees from the settlement amount.

3M, one of the defendants in the case, was directed to pay over $1 billion, resulting in structured payments toward the settlement. Conversely, DuPont, BASF, and Tyco were mandated to provide a lump sum to Bridgeport to address the contamination issue.

In July, the village received a previous check of $131,803.39 from 3M, with additional settlement funds expected from Tyco and BASF within the next year. Shaheen acknowledged that these payments might be less substantial compared to those from 3M and DuPont.

One of the critical points highlighted was the unrestricted use of the settlement funds. With the village’s water system requiring significant upgrades and replacements, the funds will play a crucial role in addressing the contamination issue and improving overall water quality.

Additionally, Shaheen commended the efforts of Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi for his diligent work in securing the compensation. Kosegi’s dedication to researching historical data and determining the village’s entitlement to the settlement funds played a vital role in the successful outcome.

During the council meeting, a new police sergeant, William Timko, was sworn in, with a resolution passed to promote Officer Nicholas Bumba to a full-time officer. These decisions, recommended by Mayor Norma Teasdale and Police Chief John Bumba, aimed to strengthen the village’s law enforcement and enhance public safety efforts.

Overall, the recent payment from the class action lawsuit represents a significant milestone for Bridgeport and underscores the ongoing efforts to tackle environmental challenges and safeguard the community’s well-being. The funds will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact in addressing the water contamination issue and ensuring a safer and healthier future for residents.