In Louisiana, water contamination litigation often involves:
Environmentalist collects water samples from a river for testing for infections.
1. Industrial Pollution:
Petroleum coke plants: Lawsuits filed against companies like Alcoa and Rain CII allege illegal discharge of pollutants such as lead, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into waterways like the Calcasieu River. These lawsuits often stem from alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.
Oil and gas exploration and production: Litigation addresses property contamination from drilling fluids and brine, and coastal wetland damage caused by these activities.
Chemical plants and refineries: Concerns about wastewater discharge containing harmful chemicals like cyanide, benzene, and mercury are frequently raised.
Other industries: Cases may involve contamination from coal mining, waste dumps, and hazardous waste disposal.
2. PFAS Contamination:
Widespread issue: Research and testing have revealed alarming levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in Louisiana’s water sources.
Health concerns: PFAS exposure is linked to various health issues including cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Legal actions: Individuals diagnosed with these conditions may have legal avenues to seek compensation, often with the help of experienced water contamination injury attorneys.
Federal centralization: All PFAS water contamination lawsuits are currently centralized in the Federal Court in Charleston, South Carolina.
PFAS Contamination of Drinking Water – Alertness about dangerous PFAS per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances presence in potable water
3. Infrastructure and System Issues:
Sewage overflows: The City of Shreveport, for example, settled a lawsuit for violating the Clean Water Act due to illegal discharges of raw sewage.
Water supply contamination: A class action lawsuit was filed against United Water System Inc. in Arnaudville for allegedly contaminating drinking water with arsenic, copper, and lead.
4. Environmental Litigation:
Water tap faucet with flowing contaminated muddy and dirty water in a white bathroom sink.
Citizen suits: Environmental groups often file lawsuits against companies or government agencies to enforce environmental laws like the Clean Water Act.
Superfund sites: Litigation may arise from contamination at Superfund sites, where hazardous substances have been released.
Coastal restoration: Lawsuits may seek to compel companies to honor obligations to restore coastal wetlands damaged by their operations.
Key Points:
Legal recourse: Victims of water contamination have the right to file lawsuits against responsible parties, including corporations and government agencies.
Clean Water Act: This federal law plays a significant role in regulating water pollution and enabling citizen suits to enforce environmental standards.
Health and financial damages: Litigation seeks to address both the health consequences and financial losses caused by water contamination.
Class action and mass tort options: These options allow groups of individuals to pursue legal action together, pooling resources and strengthening their case.
Expert assistance: Proving the link between contamination and health issues often requires the assistance of experts and evidence.
State and federal authorities: Both state and federal agencies, like the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA, are involved in addressing water contamination.
