The metropolis of Lyon is launching a legal offensive against the Arkema France and Daikin Chemical France groups, two manufacturers based in the “chemistry valley”, south of the capital of Gaul. According to information from World, the community chaired by ecologist Bruno Bernard filed a summary summons, Tuesday March 19, at the Lyon judicial court, asking the judge for a large-scale judicial expertise in order to scientifically objectify water pollution with PFAS. These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are used in the chemical industry, mainly in the manufacture of heat-resistant materials.
This civil procedure seeks to establish the reality, duration, extent and source of these “eternal pollutants”, generated by the industrial activity attributed to the two groups. “The area around the “chemistry valley” is undoubtedly the most polluted sector in Europe with PFAS. Until now, manufacturers claim that they have always remained within regulatory limits, that their substitute products present no danger. In short, they decline all responsibility. I want the burden of proof to be reversed. Respecting the rules is very good, but it is not enough. They must demonstrate that their products are not dangerous. If they are at the origin of this gigantic public health problem, we will have to be held accountable”justifies Bruno Bernard, president (Les Ecologistes) of the metropolis of Lyon.
In its summons, prepared for several months by its legal department and a law firm, the Lyon metropolis suggests the creation of a college of experts, made up of chemical engineers, environmental specialists, hydrogeologists, hydraulic engineers, working in areas likely to describe the diffusion of pollutants in nature, particularly in water.
Also listen PFAS, these eternal pollutants which have contaminated Europe
“We have taken over the water management. The metropolis is responsible for the collection and distribution of drinking water. If polluters compromise this vital common good, we have a responsibility to intervene”, explains Bruno Bernard. The Rhône-Sud intercommunal union – made up of thirty-one municipalities close to the “chemistry valley” – joined forces with the metropolis and its management to initiate the summary procedure. The three entities consider themselves legitimate to act in defense of water quality.
Failed attempts
Since the revelations of a documentary broadcast on France 2 in spring 2022 on the massive presence of PFAS in the environment, several studies by state services have confirmed the fears of communities. The regional health agency (ARS) indicated in January 2024 that the drinking water of 166,000 inhabitants of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region presents PFAS levels above the European reference threshold. This required the fifty municipalities concerned to make changes to their water supply, either by filtering chemical agents in their treatment stations, as in Valence (Drôme), or by connecting to other supply networks.
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