Town of Pepperell sues industrial giants over PFAS
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 5:02 pm
Pepperell Sues Industrial Giants Over PFAS Contamination
The town of Pepperell has filed a federal lawsuit against several industrial companies, alleging they are responsible for contaminating the town's drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals. The lawsuit, filed in the District of Massachusetts, names six defendants, including Honeywell International and Georgia-Pacific. The suit claims that decades of industrial operations along the Nashua River have released PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," into the environment, contaminating the town's water supply, which serves over 9,000 residents.
The town is seeking to hold the defendants accountable for the costs of cleaning up the water supply and ensuring safe drinking water. The lawsuit highlights that one of Pepperell's wells has been offline since 2021 due to elevated PFAS levels. The town's water system draws from wells located in an aquifer vulnerable to contamination. Testing in 2020 revealed PFAS in all five wells, with some exceeding EPA limits.
Pepperell is planning a $20 million carbon filtration plant to remove PFAS, with the total cost estimated to be around $30 million. The town has received some grant funding, but it is insufficient to cover the expenses. The lawsuit cites studies linking PFAS exposure to serious health conditions, including cancer and immune system damage. The suit also notes that the EPA has concluded that PFOS and PFOA are likely carcinogenic to humans. The suit alleges that the defendants are liable for Pepperell's response costs and damages related to the contamination.
The lawsuit references historical pollution of the Nashua River, which was once considered one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. The suit extends to companies that operated in other towns, as contaminants moved downriver to Pepperell.
BNN's Perspective:
This lawsuit highlights the significant financial and health burdens that communities face due to industrial pollution. While holding companies accountable is crucial, it's also important to consider the economic impact on the defendants and the potential for long-term solutions that balance environmental protection with economic viability.
Keywords: PFAS, forever chemicals, water contamination, lawsuit, Pepperell, Honeywell International, Georgia-Pacific, Nashua River, drinking water, health risks, pollution, environmental lawsuit, industrial pollution, water treatment, PFOA, PFOS, cancer, immune system damage.