3M to Pay Up to 450 Million Dollars for PFAS Pollution Settlement in New Jersey

3M has reached a major settlement with the state of New Jersey over environmental damage linked to PFAS chemicals, agreeing to pay as much as $450 million (approximately ¥3.24 billion). The company will pay $285 million in 2024, with the remainder distributed over the next 25 years.

The deal resolves all current and potential PFAS-related claims tied to the Chambers Works facility in Salem County, which once belonged to DuPont and is now operated by Chemours. It also addresses any legal action that might be taken by New Jersey authorities in the future over PFAS contamination.

3M previously announced its complete phaseout of PFAS production by the end of 2025, building on its earlier exit from PFOA and PFOS manufacturing in 2000. The company called the agreement “a key step in managing historical risk,” allowing it to focus on long-term priorities.

This settlement follows a $10.3 billion deal reached last year with public water suppliers in the U.S. to support the cleanup of PFAS-tainted drinking water.

PFAS chemicals—known as “forever chemicals”—are used in firefighting foams, textiles, cookware, cosmetics, and waterproof products. Their durability means they persist in the environment and human body, with links to serious health risks. The U.S. EPA has set ultra-low drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS at just 4 parts per trillion.

3M is not alone in facing legal pressure. BASF, Solvay, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva have all been forced to settle PFAS lawsuits. In 2024, BASF agreed to pay $316.5 million to U.S. water systems. Solvay committed to $175 million in cleanup and damages related to operations in the U.S. and France. In 2023, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva jointly settled a case for $1.18 billion, while German firm BYK announced in 2024 it would stop PFAS-based additive production entirely.