3M Gets Preliminary Nod for $54 Million PFAS Dumping Settlement

The 3M Co. and Wolverine World Wide Inc. will pay $54 million as part of a proposed class action settlement over allegations they’re responsible for the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment in Kent County, Mich., according to a federal judge who granted preliminary approval to the deal.

Residents of Kent County filed the suit in 2018, alleging that 3M manufactured a PFAS-based water-repellent chemical called Scotchgard, which footwear manufacturer Wolverine used to treat leather. Wolverine then dumped the toxic waste into disposal sites that leached into the groundwater and contaminated their drinking water and soil, the plaintiffs said. ...