Famed consumer advocate Erin Brockovich will return to northwest Georgia later this month to announce an expanded campaign to test water, soil, and dust for PFAS contamination and meet with residents affected by so-called “forever chemicals.”
Brockovich will hold a press conference in Rome on March 30, followed by town hall meetings in Dalton on March 30 and in Rome on March 31. The events come after more than 20 months of testing and research in the region, which organizers say has revealed some of the highest PFAS levels in the country.
The PFAS Georgia team announced it will expand testing efforts in Rome and six surrounding counties, including Floyd County, Bartow County, Polk County, Paulding County, Chattooga County, and Haralson County. Organizers say the expansion is necessary due to newly obtained data showing extremely high levels of PFAS in water and soil across northwest Georgia.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are man-made substances that do not easily break down in the environment and have been linked to potential health risks. The testing campaign aims to help residents understand contamination levels on their property and explore legal and legislative options.
The issue has drawn nationwide attention and involvement from political leaders and candidates from both parties. At the Dalton town hall on March 30, State Senator and attorney general candidate Brian Strickland is scheduled to speak. At the Rome town hall on March 31, congressional candidates Clay Fuller and Shawn Harris, who are running for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District seat, are expected to attend.
During the March 30 press conference, Brockovich will be joined by PFAS Georgia attorney Ben Finley and water expert Bob Bowcock to announce new test results, expanded testing areas, and updates on litigation and legislation related to PFAS contamination.
Organizers say the town hall meetings will provide residents and business owners with information on how to get their water, soil, and dust tested, how to pursue legal action if contamination is found, and how to protect their land and water from potential exposure. The meetings will also include discussion of proposed legislation that could shield PFAS polluters from liability.
The March 30 press conference in Rome is open to the media, while both town hall meetings in Dalton and Rome are open to the public and members of the press.