Key facts
- New Jersey secured over $2.5 billion in settlements with DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and 3M to address PFAS pollution.
- Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb approved the settlements, deeming them fair, reasonable, and serving the public interest.
- DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva will collectively pay $875 million over 25 years for natural resource damages and site cleanup.
- 3M will pay between $400 million and $450 million to settle claims related to drinking water contamination.
- DuPont and Corteva will establish a $475 million reserve to ensure cleanup of four former industrial sites.
A federal judge has approved over $2.5 billion in settlements between New Jersey and chemical companies DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and 3M, resolving claims of pollution from PFAS, commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb of the New Jersey federal court found the settlements fair, reasonable, and adequate, calling the total value an "impressive windfall" given the risks of litigation. The judge quoted James Madison on the importance of protecting the nation's soil and climate.
Under the terms, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva will pay $875 million over 25 years for natural resource damages and to clean up four former industrial sites, also contributing to a $1.2 billion remediation fund. 3M will pay between $400 million and $450 million over the same period to settle claims related to drinking water contamination. Additionally, DuPont and Corteva will establish a $475 million reserve to guarantee the cleanup of the four sites, even in cases of bankruptcy or non-performance by the companies.
Carneys Point Township and the Borough of Sayreville had objected, arguing that New Jersey lacked the authority to resolve claims belonging to individual municipalities. Judge Bumb overruled these objections. PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in numerous consumer products that do not easily break down in the environment or the human body and have been linked to various adverse health effects. The companies involved face additional litigation over PFAS contamination from other states and entities.