These chemicals are associated with cancer, fetal developmental problems, and endocrine disorders.
The settlement, up to $450 million, is subject to court approval and is “the largest statewide PFAS settlement in New Jersey’s history,” the statement said. Resolves certain lawsuits filed against the state in 2019.
Chemicals have been found in drinking water, livestock and food packaging and are associated with several adverse health issues, including cancer, endocrine disorders, fetal development problems, and adverse effects on reproductive and immune function.
The settlement amount will be paid over 25 years, with approximately $275 million to $325 million to be paid between 2026 and 2034, with the rest being paid between 2035 and 2050.
The first lawsuit on the matter was a complaint filed in March 2019. New Jersey claimed that it maintained environmental damage due to the role of 3M in contamination of the Chambers Works site in Pennsville and Carnes Point in Salem County.
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The second lawsuit, filed in March 2019, also filed a similar claim against the company’s Perlin facility in Sailville, Middlesex County.
In May 2019, a third complaint was filed against 33M and other manufacturers, citing environmental damage and violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. This was related to the manufacture and sale of certain products that were found in or allegedly broken in PFAS chemicals.
The settlement agreement resolved all of these cases.
“For decades, 3M knew their PFAS chemicals were forever polluting the New Jersey environment, but they continued to pollute the environment and flee accountability.
“New Jersey has the highest level of PFA in the country, so New Jersey has led nationwide accusations against business contaminants who contaminate drinking water and harm the state’s communities.”
The agreement also settles 3M liability in connection with the statewide PFAS directive issued in 2019 by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
“This agreement is another important step to mitigate risk and uncertainty over these legacy issues, ensuring 3M can focus on strategic priorities,” he said.
Addressing PFA contamination
3M previously settled claims related to PFAS contamination. In June 2023, the company reached a $10.3 billion settlement with multiple public drinking water systems. The amount was set to be paid over 13 years.
“The defendant has sold products containing harmful PFAS chemicals for more than 70 years and has been aware of the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals for more than 50 years,” the state said in the lawsuit.
The Trump administration is taking action to combat PFA pollution.
Such actions include establishing a liability framework to ensure that contaminants pay for the pollution and to develop limiting guidelines for PFAS manufacturers.
“For a long time I’ve been concerned about PFA and efforts to support states and communities in dealing with legacy pollution in the backyard,” Zeldin said.
“This is just the beginning of the work Americans do at PFA to ensure the cleanest air, land and water.
“Today’s announcement has led to PFA working from all EPA’s program offices, researching and testing, stopping PFA from entering the drinking water system and holding contaminants accountable.”
