3M forced to pay $450 million for decades of poisoning New Jersey with “forever chemicals” that contaminated water supplies and endangered residents’ health across the state.
Key Takeaways
- 3M has settled with New Jersey for $450 million over widespread PFAS contamination, marking the state’s largest settlement of this kind and resolving liability for contamination at major sites.
- The payment will be distributed over 25 years, with $225-275 million in the first four years, including $140 million for natural resource damages and up to $100 million for public health projects.
- Despite settling, 3M has not admitted liability for the contamination; the company plans to end PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025.
- New Jersey has now secured $840 million total from corporations for PFAS cleanup, while litigation against DuPont and Chemours continues.
- The settlement preserves the right of private citizens to pursue their own lawsuits against 3M for damages caused by PFAS exposure.
Corporate Accountability for Decades of Contamination
New Jersey has won a landmark victory against corporate polluter 3M, securing up to $450 million to address contamination from toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. The settlement, announced by state officials, represents the largest PFAS settlement in New Jersey history and one of the first statewide settlements for PFAS liability in the United States. The case stems from widespread contamination at sites including DuPont’s Chambers Works facility in Salem County, the Parlin site, and numerous locations where firefighting foam containing PFAS was used. The settlement resolves years of litigation against 3M while allowing the state to continue pursuing claims against DuPont and Chemours.
“Corporate polluters must be held accountable when they contaminate our state’s water supply. For decades, 3M knew that their PFAS chemicals were forever contaminating the New Jersey environment. But they continued to pollute the environment and escape accountability. That ends now” Stated by, Platkin
The Financial Structure and Impact of the Settlement
The settlement includes a structured payment plan spanning 25 years, with 3M required to disburse between $225 million and $275 million within the first four years. The remaining funds will be paid out through 2050. Key allocations within the settlement include $140 million designated for natural resource damages and between $50 million and $100 million earmarked specifically for public health and environmental projects. The funds will support critical initiatives including testing, treatment, and cleanup of contaminated water systems across New Jersey. This settlement adds to New Jersey’s aggressive pursuit of corporate polluters, having now secured commitments totaling $840 million for PFAS remediation.
“The makers of PFAS forever chemicals knew how poisonous these substances were, yet they produced and thoughtlessly released them into New Jersey’s environment anyway “Stated by, LaTourette
The Broader Context of PFAS Contamination
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals that have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally in the environment. These toxic compounds have been linked to serious health issues including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and weakened immune systems. New Jersey’s industrial history and extensive chemical infrastructure have made it particularly vulnerable to PFAS contamination. Despite the substantial settlement, 3M has not admitted liability for the contamination, choosing instead to pay to avoid prolonged litigation. The company has announced plans to cease PFAS manufacturing entirely by the end of 2025.
“We didn’t ask for this, but we surely will hold those who have created this pollution accountable. We are hardly done. We will continue to hold Dupont, Chemours and their progeny companies accountable. Expect that they come to the table or sit before a judge and jury ” Stated by, Shawn LaTourette
Ongoing Litigation and Future Challenges
While the 3M settlement marks a significant victory, New Jersey officials emphasize that their work is far from complete. Litigation against DuPont and Chemours continues, with the state prepared to take these cases to trial if necessary. The settlement specifically preserves the right of private citizens to pursue their own lawsuits against 3M for damages caused by PFAS exposure. Environmental advocates have raised concerns about whether even this substantial settlement will be sufficient if additional contamination is discovered. New Jersey has positioned itself as a national leader in PFAS abatement and regulation, establishing drinking water standards and maintaining a public database for PFAS contamination.
“We really don’t know whether the money being provided through this settlement, and even the nationwide deal, is enough. That depends on how much more contamination is found ” Stated by, Tracy Carluccio
The settlement is currently subject to public comment and court approval before being finalized. For New Jersey residents concerned about potential PFAS contamination in their water, officials recommend proactive testing, as government testing programs may not cover all affected areas. The $450 million settlement represents not just compensation for past damage but funding for ongoing remediation efforts that will be necessary for decades to come, given the persistent nature of these chemicals in the environment.
