3M announced today that it has reached a $285 million settlement with the State of New Jersey to resolve environmental claims related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the Chamber Works manufacturing facility in Salem County, as well as additional statewide PFAS-related claims extending into the future.
Under the terms of the proposed judicial consent order, 3M will pay $210 million to resolve litigation connected to alleged PFAS contamination at the Chamber Works site. An additional $75 million will address potential statewide PFAS claims from 2030 through 2050. This NJ settlement was reached shortly before a bench trial was scheduled to begin.
The agreement covers claims relating to the design, manufacture, distribution, and disposal of PFAS, as well as their presence in the environment and related advertising. The settlement does not constitute an admission of liability by 3M.
“This agreement reflects 3M’s commitment to responsibly address PFAS-related matters,” the company stated. “If court approval is not obtained or conditions are not met, 3M will continue to defend itself in litigation.”
The Chamber Works site, previously operated by DuPont and currently owned by Chemours, has been the subject of long-running litigation involving allegations of contamination by PFAS and other hazardous substances. 3M supplied PFAS to the facility until 2001.
The agreement only resolves claims involving 3M; litigation involving DuPont and Chemours is ongoing.
This settlement is part of 3M’s broader efforts to resolve legacy PFAS matters as the company transitions out of PFAS manufacturing by 2025.
