New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette have announced a settlement with 3M, valued at up to $450 million, to address PFAS contamination in the state. The settlement resolves lawsuits from 2019 concerning the Chambers Works site in Pennsville and Carneys Point, as well as the Parlin site in Sayreville.
The agreement will also settle claims against 3M regarding PFAS in firefighting foam known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). As a result, 3M will avoid trial scheduled for May 19, 2025, involving DuPont and other defendants.
Attorney General Platkin stated: “Corporate polluters must be held accountable when they contaminate our state’s water supply. For decades, 3M knew that their PFAS chemicals were forever contaminating the New Jersey environment… That ends now.”
Commissioner LaTourette added: “This historic settlement marks another step toward holding polluters accountable for dangerous PFAS contamination that has wrought havoc on our water supplies…”
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s that persist in the environment and are linked to various health issues. This settlement is part of New Jersey’s broader efforts to combat such contamination.
Including this deal, corporations have committed nearly $840 million for environmental damages related to these substances in New Jersey. The funds from this settlement will aid PFAS abatement efforts across the state.
The payment schedule extends over 25 years with initial payments between $275 million and $325 million by 2034. Additional payments of $125 million will follow through 2050.
Despite settling with New Jersey, private lawsuits against 3M remain unaffected by this agreement.
New Jersey continues its national leadership role in addressing PFAS risks. The state was first to set enforceable drinking water standards for certain PFAS compounds and has conducted extensive studies on their presence statewide.
