3M finalizes national PFAS cleanup settlement, North Alabama systems can seek money
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — 3M has reached a national settlement related to PFAS chemical cleanup in drinking water, setting aside up to $12.5 billion to assist water systems in that effort.
The settlement was announced this week and payments are expected to be made over the next 13 years, the company said.
Alabama monitoring avian flu outbreak in cattle, poultry in Texas, no reports of disease here
3M made PFAS chemicals in Decatur and other locations for decades. The chemicals have been linked to several health problems and don’t break down easily, even in water.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has moved to regulate the chemicals, including lowering what it deems acceptable levels of the chemical in drinking water.
Water systems in North Alabama have reported PFAS levels that, in some cases, appear to exceed the EPA’s proposed standards. The settlement funds are to be provided to water systems that report PFAS levels in drinking water and the payment calculation for cleanup are tied to both PFAS volume and the amount of water a system provides.
The Alabama Department of Environment Management issued a consent order in July 2020 directing 3M to take cleanup action in the Tennessee River and in PFAS exposed areas in Morgan and Lawrence counties and other areas where the chemicals have been detected.
‘A political stunt’: Councilman Hunter Pepper responds to subpoena
3M has settled multiple lawsuits in North Alabama in recent years, including a $35 million settlement for the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority. The authority used that money to help build a modern water treatment plant.
The company also settled with the City of Decatur, Tennessee Riverkeeper and other parties, for PFAS cleanup.
Huntsville Utilities told News 19 it is still studying the settlement to understand the implications for its system.
Decatur Utilities, however, announced last fall it was opting out of the settlement after it determined the likely payments from 3M under that deal may not cover its expected need for new filtering and related equipment.
Last year, Decatur Utilities General Manager Ray Hardin said, “By opting out of this settlement, DU preserves the right to file future claims once we establish the extent of treatment upgrades that may be needed to meet future EPA rules on PFAS maximum contaminant levels.”
3M has also announced its plans to exit the PFAS manufacturing business by the end of 2025.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management told News 19 Friday it would assist water providers.
“ADEM will assist Drinking Water Authorities in accordance with our rules, regulations, and legal authority,” ADEM Spokesperson Lynn Battle told News 19 .”ADEM has worked closely with Drinking Water Systems on PFAS issues, including but not limited to, PFAS monitoring, notification to consumers on levels of PFAS, permitting of treatment systems, and funding distributed by the state for emerging contaminants.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
