Federal Judge Finds City of Flint in Contempt for Failing to Replace Lead Pipes
A federal judge has found the city of Flint in contempt for failing to comply with a court order to replace old lead pipes following the Michigan city’s lead-contaminated water scandal. U.S. District Judge David Lawson’s decision comes after the city missed deadlines outlined in his February 2023 order, originally promising to replace the pipes by early 2020.
The ruling follows a motion filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, and Concerned Pastors for Social Action seeking a contempt finding. Judge Lawson stated, “The City has failed to abide by the Court’s orders in several respects, and it has no good reason for its failures.”
Despite belated compliance, the city has not fully replaced all lead service lines as promised. Nearly 2,000 homes still have damage from the pipe replacement program, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The judge’s order did not specify penalties for continued non-compliance.
Pastor Allen C. Overton of Concerned Pastors for Social Action expressed encouragement at the ruling but emphasized the importance of completing the work. The Flint water crisis began nearly a decade ago, and a settlement was reached in a citizen lawsuit against the city and Michigan state officials seven years ago.
The city has yet to complete the pipe replacement program, and residents are still waiting for justice and clean water. Mayor Sheldon Neeley’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the ruling. The community continues to push for accountability and resolution in the ongoing Flint water crisis.
