Gordon County has filed a lawsuit in State Court to protect public health and taxpayers from the costs of cleaning up toxic materials illegally dumped in the county landfill by chemical and carpet manufacturers. These toxic chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” or “PFAS,” have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and organ failure.

The chemicals were produced by companies like 3M, DuPont, and Daikin for products including Scotchgard and Teflon, used by carpet makers like Shaw Industries and Mohawk Industries. The lawsuit claims that the producers and users of these chemicals were aware of their dangers but concealed this information while the landfill operated since 1995.

Gordon County aims to protect its community from the financial burden of disposing of these chemicals, which could exceed $100 million. The lawsuit seeks accountability from those responsible for contaminating the landfill. More information is available on the county’s website.