The city of Dallas, Broward County in Florida, and over 20 other cities, counties, and public water systems have expressed opposition to settlements with 3M and DuPont regarding the contamination of drinking water by so-called ‘forever chemicals’. These objectors argue that the settlements’ provisions are excessively broad, as they exonerate 3M and DuPont from any liabilities associated with the contamination of real property and wastewater cleanup damages.
Further adding complication to the matter, the settlements apply to entities such as interconnected water distribution systems, some of whom might not even be aware of their classification as class members. Several of the objectors are wholesale water providers, and are currently contending with personal injury lawsuits.
The underlying issue revolves around a group of chemicals, widely referred to as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), that have been linked to harmful health effects. Companies like 3M and DuPont have come under fire for their alleged role in the contamination of water supplies in various regions.
This matter seems to be an ongoing legal concern for these businesses, and further proceedings will help illuminate the extent of these corporations’ responsibilities toward cleanup efforts.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the specifics of this case and its implications,
this Law.com report provides further insights.