“For two years, both Saint-Louis Agglomeration and its private operator (Veolia) provided contaminated water at particularly high rates which are considered to be the most important in France” said André Chamy, lawyer for the local residents.
In this agglomeration of 80,000 inhabitants, 60,000 people are affected by these supply problems.
In its complaint, the collective denounces the presence of eternal pollutants (PFAS) which far exceeds the authorized rate of 0.1 microgram per liter.
“At least since April 2023, public analyzes have revealed the non-compliance of water, notably in Blotzheim, Saint-Louis, Hésingue or Bartenheim with rates up to 0.459 microgram per liter,” it was written in the complaint that AFP was able to consult.
This complaint is based on heads of “deliberate endangering of the life of others”, “distribution of a product harmful to health”, “environmental offenses” and “offense to health regulations”.
Prohibition of consumption
On April 25, the prefecture of Haut-Rhin announced the ban on tap water consumption for people sensitive in 11 municipalities located near Basel-Mulhouse airport.
The presence of PFAS in drinking water was detected at the end of 2023, according to the prefecture, and the population had been informed, by mail, as early as January 2024, “without any restriction being decided at this stage, pending advice from national scientific expertise”.
According to the prefecture, this persistent pollution “is linked to the use passed on the airport platform of anti-fired foam containing PFAS”.
Argument that Me Chamy refutes: “These foams are no longer used for nine years at Basel-Mulhouse airport and I do not see why these contamination problems are not also present in Orly or Roissy”. The collective also calls for reimbursement of water supply invoices.
