In brief
3M has reached a notable agreement with New Jersey, pledging to pay up to $450 million over the next 25 years in response to allegations of groundwater contamination by hazardous "forever chemicals," known as PFAS. The settlement follows New Jersey's legal battle, initiated in 2019, against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers tied to the Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, a significant industrial site. As this marks the largest clean-water settlement in New Jersey's history, the funds will be allocated for damages, cleanup, and improving drinking water treatment. Notably, DuPont and its spin-off Chemours remain outside this settlement arrangement, and legal proceedings are expected to continue against remaining parties involved.
3M will dispense between $400 million and $450 million to New Jersey over 25 years in a landmark deal targeting the contamination of drinking water with PFAS. This comes after state allegations linking the chemicals to health risks such as cancer and reproductive issues stemming from decades of use at the Chambers Works industrial site. This settlement is the largest of its kind in the state, designated for cleaning and remediation efforts, while other manufacturers, including DuPont and Chemours, are still subject to litigation.
