3M Announces Landmark PFAS Settlement with New Jersey – Reaching $450 Million Over 25 Years In a significant development addressing concerns surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, 3M has reached a settlement agreement with the state of New Jersey totaling up to $450 million over the next 25 years. This substantial agreement stems from long-standing claims related to the presence of PFAS at the former DuPont Chambers Works facility in New Jersey. The settlement represents a critical step in managing the ongoing legacy issues associated with these persistent chemicals, which have raised serious public health concerns globally. For years, 3M supplied PFAS to the DuPont Chambers Works facility, a site now owned by Chemours, a spin-off of chemical giant DuPont. New Jersey initiated legal action against the companies in 2019, alleging widespread contamination from a range of PFAS chemicals. While 3M maintains that this settlement doesn't constitute an admission of guilt, it effectively resolves broader statewide PFAS claims that New Jersey and its various departments may have, or could potentially pursue, against 3M in the future. This proactive approach underscores 3M’s commitment to mitigating risks and reducing uncertainty surrounding these complex legacy issues.

This latest settlement builds upon previous agreements, including a landmark $12.5 billion deal with municipal water providers across the United States finalized in 2023. Prior to this, 3M secured an $850 million settlement with the state of Minnesota in 2018, highlighting the company’s comprehensive strategy for addressing PFAS liabilities. The specific amount payable in the New Jersey settlement, initially starting at $400 million, will be influenced by the outcome of the ongoing water systems settlement. 3M is anticipating a $285 million charge within the current fiscal quarter, reflecting the financial implications of managing these legacy issues. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment. Due to their robust chemical bonds, these substances do not readily degrade, leading to long-term contamination concerns. The link between PFAS exposure and serious health outcomes, including cancer and other illnesses, has been increasingly documented by scientific research, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination. 3M has committed to discontinuing PFAS manufacturing by the end of the year, a decision driven by both regulatory pressure and a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Despite this self-imposed deadline, the potential for PFAS to appear in products supplied by third-party vendors beyond the year-end remains a concern. Analysts estimate that 3M could face billions more in liability related to legacy PFAS contamination, reinforcing the scale of the challenge. Furthermore, the first bellwether trial – a key legal case involving over 9,000 PFAS-fighting foam claims – is scheduled for October, contingent on whether a settlement is reached prior to the trial date. This upcoming trial is anticipated to set a precedent for future PFAS litigation, shaping the legal landscape surrounding these persistent chemicals. The ongoing legal battles and financial commitments underscore the significant impact of PFAS contamination on 3M and the broader environmental and public health sectors, demanding continued vigilance and proactive solutions.