Olympic View Water and Sewer sues Edmonds School District over Madrona forever chemicals

The Olympic View Water and Sewer District has initiated legal action against the Edmonds School District, alleging violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act related to PFAS contamination at Madrona K-8 School. The lawsuit contends that the school district discharges PFAS-contaminated stormwater daily, which may violate groundwater quality standards. Bob Danson, General Manager of Olympic View, highlighted the urgency of the situation as a public health concern, calling for immediate action to protect the aquifer. In contrast, Edmonds School District spokesperson Amanda Ralston asserted the district's compliance with environmental regulations and disputed the lawsuit's allegations. Ralston indicated that while PFAS levels were elevated in some water samples, there was no evidence of contamination impacting groundwater.

The district has been proactive in addressing PFAS issues, working under the supervision of the Department of Ecology. They are currently replacing contaminated bioretention planter strips to eliminate sources of PFAS. This legal dispute underscores the ongoing challenges regarding environmental safety in school settings.