New Jersey, a state grappling with pollution challenges, announced a significant settlement agreement with 3M, the Minnesota-based chemical company, in which it will pay between $400 million and $450 million over the next 25 years. This settlement, which is being characterized as the largest clean-water settlement in New Jersey's history, aims to address the contamination linked to PFAS—a group of chemicals known for persisting indefinitely in the environment.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used in various commercial products, including nonstick cookware and water-repellent fabrics, for decades. Scientific studies have associated these chemicals with various health risks, such as metabolic disorders, lowered fertility in women, childhood developmental issues, and an elevated risk of specific cancers, including prostate and kidney cancer.
The contamination traces back to 3M's manufacturing activities connected to the Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, New Jersey, a 1,500-acre site along the Delaware River previously owned by DuPont. New Jersey took legal action in 2019 against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers to address the extensive damage to the state's groundwater supplies.
While DuPont and its spin-off Chemours are not part of this settlement, they are still facing legal proceedings. New Jersey officials are hopeful that the settlement with 3M will provide much-needed funds for cleanup efforts and enhancements to the state’s drinking water treatment systems.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used in various commercial products, including nonstick cookware and water-repellent fabrics, for decades. Scientific studies have associated these chemicals with various health risks, such as metabolic disorders, lowered fertility in women, childhood developmental issues, and an elevated risk of specific cancers, including prostate and kidney cancer.
The contamination traces back to 3M's manufacturing activities connected to the Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, New Jersey, a 1,500-acre site along the Delaware River previously owned by DuPont. New Jersey took legal action in 2019 against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers to address the extensive damage to the state's groundwater supplies.
While DuPont and its spin-off Chemours are not part of this settlement, they are still facing legal proceedings. New Jersey officials are hopeful that the settlement with 3M will provide much-needed funds for cleanup efforts and enhancements to the state’s drinking water treatment systems.
