HomeMy Public PortalAbout16108 GC Retainer Agreement OrdinanceORDINANCE NO. 16108
AN ORDINANCE, authorizing the Executive Director on behalf of The
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to enter into a Retainer Agreement with AquaLaw PLC,
Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP to represent MSD, at no cost
to MSD, in litigation against manufacturers of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PEAS) chemicals.
WHEREAS, MSD will be one of several wastewater utilities being represented in
this litigation;
WHEREAS, this litigation will seek to recoup costs from PFAS chemicals ending
up in MSD’s sewer system;
WHEREAS, MSD will face escalated monitoring costs and will need to enhance
its pretreatment program to identify and minimize/eliminate PFAS chemicals from being
discharged to the MSD sewer system; and
WHEREAS, this litigation will protect MSD’s interest while holding the
manufacturers of PFAS responsible for these chemicals rather than shifting the burden to innocent
rate payers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT.
Section One. The Executive Director is hereby authorized on behalf of The
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to enter into a Retainer Agreement with AquaLaw PLC,
Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP to represent MSD, along with
a coalition of wastewater utilities, in litigation against manufacturers of PFAS chemicals.
The foregoing Ordinance was adopted on May 11, 2023 by the following vote:
Ayes - A. Feb’, R. Wilson, G. Nicozisin, B. Watson and B. Wahby
Nays - None