The allegations against E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Co., which eventually fragmented into DuPont, Corteva, and the Chemours Co., were severe. From the 1950s to 2013, Ohio contended that these companies knowingly released PFOA-laden emissions into the air and the Ohio River during their Teflon production, fully aware of the chemical’s pernicious effects on human health and the environment.
The Composition of the Settlement
The settlement inked between Ohio and the companies lays the foundation for an environmental restoration fund. This fund, with 80% dedicated to addressing pollution from the Washington Works facility, 16% allocated to damages from firefighting foam (also known as aqueous film-forming foam), and the remaining 4% earmarked for natural resource damage mitigation, symbolizes a new chapter in environmental remediation.
Breaking down the financial responsibility, DuPont shoulders a $39 million portion, while Corteva contributes around $16 million. The Chemours Co. is responsible for the balance, as per the companies’ communication to Law360.
Resolving a Tapestry of Environmental Claims
This settlement extinguishes Ohio’s claims related to the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including PFOA, from the companies’ facilities and their associated product manufacturing and sales. DuPont confirmed that the agreement also encompasses Ohio’s claims pertaining to firefighting foam.
