Glenside, PA – On Sunday, January 26, Rep. Madeleine Dean hosted constituents and activists for an exclusive screening of Dark Waters, a film centered on Attorney Rob Bilott’s pursuit of justice for a West Virginia town effected by PFAS/PFOA water contamination. Following the screening, a public roundtable discussed the imminent threat of PFAS and the necessary steps to combat this national health crisis.
“Tackling our local – and national – water contamination problem is one of my highest priorities; I am deeply concerned about PFAS/PFOA water contamination in my district and communities around this nation” Rep. Dean said. “I am thankful that Mr. Bilott, Dr. Wilson, and State Senator Collett were able to join us to discuss the continued fight to rid our communities of these dangerous forever chemicals.”
Participants of the roundtable agreed on the urgent need for better regulation and government initiatives to address PFAS contamination. Rep. Dean recently aided in the release of $2.8 million in Air Force funds for a permanent containment and filtration system at the Willow Grove Air National Guard Base – a vital step in combating existing water pollution. The permanent containment and filtration of the PFAS-contaminated surface water will stop ongoing contamination, in turn, protecting nearly 80,000 residents.
Attendees at the roundtable included:
Moderator: Justine McDaniel, Philadelphia Inquirer Reporter
Dr. Robin Wilson, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health
Rob Bilott, Attorney portrayed in the film and a partner at Taft Law Firm
State Senator Maria Collett (SD-12)
