A jury in New Hampshire has awarded Amherst residents more than $4 million after a nine‑year class‑action lawsuit against Textiles Coated International (TCI). The case, filed in 2017, alleged that the company’s discharge of PFOA – a persistent “forever chemical” – contaminated private well water throughout the town.
Background of the lawsuit
Testing conducted in 2016 revealed that PFOA had migrated from TCI’s facilities into the groundwater that supplies many Amherst homes. Residents argued that the chemical leaks caused both trespass and nuisance, interfering with the use and enjoyment of their property, and that TCI’s negligence allowed the releases to continue unchecked.
Jury findings and damages
The jury found that TCI’s actions constituted trespass, nuisance, and negligence. As a result, the court awarded more than $4 million in damages to compensate for property loss. The settlement does not address potential health impacts, which remain a concern for many residents.
Reactions from local leaders
State Representative Rosemarie Rung, a longtime advocate for holding polluters accountable, praised the verdict. “Polluters have to pay for their damages, and that’s a big plus,” Rung said. She added that the award does not cover the human and financial costs that New Hampshire families, especially those in Hillsborough County, have endured.
Health considerations
While the lawsuit focused on property damage, the World Health Organization classifies PFOA as a cancer‑causing substance. Environmental and public‑health scientist Mindi Messmer noted that the chemicals are invisible and odorless, making it impossible for residents to know they were drinking contaminated water. “It’s really bad, and there’s no way to know because you can’t smell them,” Messmer told News 9.
Next steps
Although the court rejected a medical‑monitoring component of the case, many in the community hope future legal actions will address health monitoring and long‑term medical costs. For now, the $4 million award provides a measure of financial relief for homeowners whose property values have been diminished by the contamination.
What this means for Amherst
The verdict underscores the importance of corporate accountability and reinforces the town’s commitment to protecting its residents’ well‑being. Local officials say the settlement will help fund repairs and improvements to affected properties, while also sending a clear message to other polluters operating in New Hampshire.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
