A federal judge has granted final approval of 3M’s multibillion-dollar water contamination settlement, rejecting several objections.
In a March 29 order, U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel found the 3M settlement would compensate more than 12,000 public water systems for costs incurred in cleaning up PFAS, or perfluoralkyl and polyfluoralkyl substances, in their drinking water supplies. Under the deal, 3M will provide at least $10.5 billion but could pay up to $12.5 billion, depending on the number of participants.
Judge Richard M. Gergel of the U.S. District for the District of South Carolina. Courtesy photo
