A new class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Benton Harbor residents as a result of the city’s ongoing water problems. Detroit based attorney Nicholas Coulson tells WSJM News his firm, which handled a large class action over PFAS in the water in Parchment, started investigating Benton Harbor months ago. He says lead contamination in Benton Harbor water has been known about for years, but the state only told residents to stop drinking the water in October of last year. Coulson says there are “terrible things” that have gone on “for far too long” in the city, comparing Benton Harbor to Flint and noting action was taken more quickly in Flint when lead contamination was discovered there. Coulson says when Benton Harbor’s problems were discovered, the state “hijacked” the local process without following its own rules, and now it’s pointed its finger at the city. The lawsuit names the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the director of its Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division. It seeks relief. Coulson says his firm isn’t suing the city because that would be like having the residents sue themselves. Residents can learn more at BentonHarborWater.com.
