GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Shoemaker Wolverine Worldwide has filed motions to dismiss more than 50 lawsuits filed against them for their alleged connection to hazardous chemicals called PFAS in drinking water.
Wolverine filed a motion in Kent County on Monday to dismiss 52 cases.
“There is no imminent danger to anyone’s health in the context of these cases,” the company says in court documents.
Hundreds of residents in Plainfield Township and Rockford are being represented by Varnum LLP in these cases. In addition to Wolverine Worldwide, residents are suing 3M, Waste Management, and Waste Management of Michigan. The suits claim Wolverine knew about and hid the fact that it had dumped toxic PFAS chemicals in Kent County.
Many residents say these PFAS caused health problems in their, including thyroid and reproductive issues and unexplained cancers. The contaminated water has lowered their property values and stigmatized their community, according to the lawsuit.
Hundreds of people are now living on filtered or bottled water.
