3M to Settle $450 Million with New Jersey Over PFAS Contamination

The agreement marks the largest clean-water settlement in New Jersey history related to "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, as the state continues combatting widespread contamination.

3M, the Minnesota-based chemicals company, has announced that it will pay New Jersey up to $450 million over the next 25 years to settle allegations concerning the contamination of the state's drinking water with harmful "forever chemicals," or PFAS. This commitment follows a lawsuit filed by New Jersey in 2019 that accused 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers of polluting the state’s groundwater.

The contamination emanated from the Chambers Works facility located in Deepwater, New Jersey, encompassing nearly 1,500 acres adjacent to the Delaware River. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals commonly used in various consumer products, including nonstick cookware and water-repellent clothing. Significant health risks associated with PFAS exposure include metabolic disorders, reduced fertility in women, developmental delays in children, and increased susceptibility to certain cancers.

Under the settlement, which was announced on Tuesday, 3M is required to provide New Jersey between $400 million to $450 million to cover damages, cleanup efforts, and treatment of drinking water sources contaminated by the chemicals. This settlement marks the largest clean-water resolution in New Jersey's history related to PFAS.

Notably, the settlement does not include DuPont or Chemours, the latter of which currently owns the Chambers Works facility. These companies are expected to face trial in the ongoing litigation, as New Jersey seeks to hold them accountable for their role in the contamination. DuPont has refused to comment on the matter as it unfolds.