Judge in 3M PFAS Settlement Urges Rigor by Utilities Opting Out

The federal judge overseeing a proposed multibillion-dollar PFAS contamination settlement urged water utilities on Friday to exercise due diligence before opting out, lest they lose their chance at securing funds to help comply with regulations and protect public health.

Judge Richard M. Gergel, of the US District Court for the District of South Carolina, held the final fairness hearing Feb. 2 for a settlement through which the 3M Co. would offer between $10.5 billion to $12.5 billion to resolve current and future claims by drinking water utilities that the company’s per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) made their way into ...