Class action suit brought against paper-making facilities regarding PFAS contamination

SKOWHEGAN, Maine (WABI) - The owners of several paper making facilities in Maine as well as a landfill are being named in a class action suit regarding PFAS contamination.

It follows a complaint filed in March by a Skowhegan man against Sappi Paper Mill, for allowing the so-called forever chemicals to contaminate his property and drinking water.

This new suit was hand filed Wednesday in Skowhegan.

It adds another plaintiff to the complaint- a resident from nearby Clinton whose well also tested high for PFAS.

In addition to the Sappi Paper Mill, this new suit names the owners of the Madison Paper Mill, former Winslow Paper Mill, Huhtamaki in Waterville, Androscoggin Paper Mill in Jay, and the former Bucksport Paper Mill.

Pine Tree Landfill in Fairfield is also listed as a defendant.

The suit alleges the companies intentionally used PFAS throughout Somerset and Kennebec counties despite knowing its health risks.

The plaintiffs are asking for a jury trial. Sappi Paper Mill strongly denies its paper mill is a source of PFAS contamination.

Huhtamaki told TV5 during a special report on PFAS contamination that the Waterville mill complies with all applicable environmental and product safety laws and regulations.

Copyright 2021 WABI. All rights reserved.