3M has agreed to a landmark settlement to help fund the cleanup of PFAS chemicals that have tainted New Jersey’s drinking water, redeeming the contaminated legacy of its industrial activities.
3M to Pay New Jersey $450 Million for PFAS Contamination Cleanup
3M to Pay New Jersey $450 Million for PFAS Contamination Cleanup
The settlement addresses the contamination from "forever chemicals" affecting drinking water in the state.
3M is poised to pay the state of New Jersey up to $450 million over the course of 25 years to settle claims regarding contamination linked to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released from its former manufacturing facility at Chambers Works in Deepwater, New Jersey. This settlement represents the largest clean-water agreement in New Jersey’s history.
The Minnesota-based corporation’s chemical production at the famous industrial site has sparked serious environmental concerns since the state filed a lawsuit in 2019 against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers, alleging groundwater contamination. PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," are prevalent in a myriad of consumer products including nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and stain-resistant furnishings. Health officials warn that these substances have been connected to adverse health effects such as hormonal disruptions, increased cancer risks, and developmental issues in children.
Under the terms of the settlement revealed on Tuesday, 3M will contribute between $400 million to $450 million directed towards damages, as well as remediation and improvement of drinking water systems in the area affected by said contamination. Notably, DuPont and its current spinoff, Chemours, which are also implicated, will not join in this settlement. The state plans to pursue further legal actions against them, and a trial is anticipated to address the remaining parties involved.
The Minnesota-based corporation’s chemical production at the famous industrial site has sparked serious environmental concerns since the state filed a lawsuit in 2019 against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers, alleging groundwater contamination. PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," are prevalent in a myriad of consumer products including nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and stain-resistant furnishings. Health officials warn that these substances have been connected to adverse health effects such as hormonal disruptions, increased cancer risks, and developmental issues in children.
Under the terms of the settlement revealed on Tuesday, 3M will contribute between $400 million to $450 million directed towards damages, as well as remediation and improvement of drinking water systems in the area affected by said contamination. Notably, DuPont and its current spinoff, Chemours, which are also implicated, will not join in this settlement. The state plans to pursue further legal actions against them, and a trial is anticipated to address the remaining parties involved.
