East Bay’s Dark Waters

Supe says county is meeting with attorneys to discuss Pleasanton's PFAS problem; Price recall leader says DA is trying to intimidate her; Alameda takes another look at CIP pass-throughs to renters

In 2019, one of the wells that Pleasanton relies on for its water supply was found to have a large plume of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” PHOTO/Wikimedia Commons.

CITY NEWS

PLEASANTON

—CHEMICAL CONTINGENCY—The contamination of Pleasanton’s water supply with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and also known as “forever chemicals,” is a big story in the Tri-Valley.

—The city has made several moves to engage the public on the issue and prepare various mitigations. But a new front in the effort to protect the public is emerging.

—Alameda County officials and county counsel are meeting this week with attorneys who successfully sued the chemical giant DuPont.

—Last week, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley made the announcement at a Democratic club in Dublin.

—Roughly 20 percent of Pleasanton’s water supply comes from local wells. In 2019, one of these wells contained a large plume of PFAS. Two other wells showed lower levels of PFAS.

—“I want the industry to pay for this and get a local ordinance where we might even ban PFAS,” Miley said. “Stay tuned.”

—Miley, who represents Pleasanton and is running for re-election next March, said he wants to have Tri-Valley residents tested for PFAS.

—There’s no additional information about the identity of the attorneys that county officials are meeting, but Miley said last week that he hopes to work with them on a contingency basis.

—A prominent attorney who successfully sued DuPont for PFAS contamination is Robert Bilott, who led the nationwide push to hold chemical companies accountable for decades of inaction.

—Last June, DuPont and two other chemical makers agreed to pay a $1.19 billion settlement involving PFAS, which is used in a number of products, most notably, some non-stick cookware.

—Billot and the PFAS cases is the subject of the 2019 film “Dark Waters,” starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway.

MORE INSIDE:

• CITY NEWS: Pleasanton City Council to meet in closed session to discuss failing police union negotiations

• Alameda grapples with landlords passing-through improvements to tenants

• ELECTION 2024: Fulton County DA Fani Willis thinks her policies affect crime. Why doesn’t DA Price?

• Price’s official response to recall includes references to previous suicides at DA’s office

• Price wants good pay for workers trying to take her out

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