After nearly a decade of legal back and forth, Phoenix may be close to closing the book on a Superfund lawsuit tied to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This week, the City Council is slated to review a proposed consent decree that would dismiss claims against the city in exchange for roughly $1.3 million. City records indicate that most of the payment would come from private parties rather than the city’s general fund.
According to KJZZ, the lawsuit dates back about 10 years and alleges that hazardous substances were released at Sky Harbor by private companies, including Honeywell. If the council signs off on the consent decree and a federal judge approves it, claims against Phoenix would be dismissed. The outlet reports that roughly three quarters of the $1.3 million total would be paid by Honeywell, with the balance covered by a former Sky Harbor insurer.
What Superfund Means For Phoenix
The Environmental Protection Agency describes Superfund as the federal program created under CERCLA to identify and clean up sites contaminated by hazardous waste. The program’s core aim is to protect public health by requiring responsible parties to pay for cleanup or, if none can be found, allowing federal regulators to step in. EPA provides an overview of how the program works and the protections it is intended to provide communities.
Council Vote Scheduled June 3
The City of Phoenix calendar lists a formal council meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, where members are expected to decide whether to seek court approval for the consent decree. Even if the council gives a green light, the settlement will not become final until a federal judge enters the decree and claims against the city are officially dismissed. City meeting packets typically include law department summaries when proposed settlements reach the council floor, so residents can expect more detail to appear there.
Who Would Pay The Settlement
City records and reporting indicate that taxpayers would not directly foot the bill. Instead, private parties are expected to cover the roughly $1.3 million, with Honeywell paying about three quarters and a former Sky Harbor insurer paying the remainder. KJZZ notes that the payout would resolve claims tied to alleged releases at the airport. The EPA’s Superfund site profile for a Honeywell facility in Phoenix shows that Honeywell has been the subject of environmental reviews in the region. EPA
Legal Process And What To Watch
A consent decree is a court approved settlement that resolves litigation without a trial, but it usually requires judicial approval and, in many cases, a public notice period, according to the Justice Department’s environmental enforcement guidance. If the council approves the city’s participation in the settlement, the next step would be to file the decree with the court, allow for any public comment, and then wait for the judge’s final decision. The procedures for lodging and overseeing consent decrees in environmental cases are outlined by the Justice Department…