Representative Cases and Legislative Accomplishments

Mr. Hopkins managed drinking water contamination litigation for Suffolk County Water Authority in the following representative cases:

PFAS Contamination

In re AFFF Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2873 (D.S.C. 2018). Multidistrict litigation involving "forever chemicals" used in firefighting foam and other products. Class action settlement of over $13 billion for water suppliers nationwide.

1,4-Dioxane Contamination

Suffolk County Water Authority v. Dow Chemical Co., No. 16-cv-1118 (E.D.N.Y. filed 2017). Pending case involving contamination of public supply wells from an industrial solvent additive.

PCE/TCE Contamination

Suffolk County Water Authority v. Dow Chemical Co., 121 A.D.3d 50, 56, 991 N.Y.S.2d 613, 618 (2d Dept. 2014).  Contamination of public supply wells by a dry-cleaning solvent and its breakdown products.

MTBE Contamination

In re MTBE Products Liability Litigation, 591 F. Supp.2d 259 (S.D.N.Y. 2008). Gasoline additive contamination of public water supply wells. Multidistrict litigation resulting in settlements recovering treatment costs and damages.

Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid (TCPA) Contamination

State of New York v. Fermenta ASC Corp., 166 Misc.  2d 524, 630 N.Y.S.2d 884, 890 (Sup. Ct. Suffolk Cty. 1995), aff'd, 238 A.D.2d 400, 656 N.Y.S.2d 342 (2d Dep't 1997). Contamination of public supply wells by a breakdown product of a preemergent herbicide.

Helped draft and lobby for passage of 13 New York State laws related to water contamination and environmental protection, including:   

- CPLR § 214-h: Statute of limitations reform for contamination claims 

- Environmental Conservation Law provisions related to drinking water protection 

- Public health law provisions enabling polluter cost recovery