In a landmark agreement, 3M has committed up to $450 million to settle New Jersey's claims regarding extensive contamination of drinking water from hazardous “forever chemicals” used in products for decades.
3M Agrees to Pay New Jersey Up to $450 Million Over Toxic Water Contamination
3M Agrees to Pay New Jersey Up to $450 Million Over Toxic Water Contamination
Settlement addresses PFAS pollution from industrial site impacting local drinking water sources.
New Jersey's government has announced a significant settlement with 3M, aiming to rectify the severe drinking-water contamination caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. This agreement, reached on May 13, 2025, requires the Minnesota-based chemical manufacturer to pay between $400 million and $450 million over the next 25 years. The funds will support damages, cleanup efforts, and the treatment of drinking water in the state.
The industrial manufacturing of PFAS occurred for many years at the Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, New Jersey, now regarded as one of the largest clean-water settlements in the state's history. The site, historically owned by DuPont, has been linked to serious health risks, including cancers and developmental issues in children.
New Jersey first filed lawsuits against 3M and other manufacturers in 2019, alleging that the continued use of PFAS at the facility severely impacted local water supplies. PFAS are commonly found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant textiles, and stain-free carpets, raising concerns over their widespread presence in the environment.
While 3M's settlement has been finalized, DuPont and its chemical successor, Chemours, are excluded from this agreement, and legal proceedings against them are expected to move forward in court.
The industrial manufacturing of PFAS occurred for many years at the Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, New Jersey, now regarded as one of the largest clean-water settlements in the state's history. The site, historically owned by DuPont, has been linked to serious health risks, including cancers and developmental issues in children.
New Jersey first filed lawsuits against 3M and other manufacturers in 2019, alleging that the continued use of PFAS at the facility severely impacted local water supplies. PFAS are commonly found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant textiles, and stain-free carpets, raising concerns over their widespread presence in the environment.
While 3M's settlement has been finalized, DuPont and its chemical successor, Chemours, are excluded from this agreement, and legal proceedings against them are expected to move forward in court.
