- Minnesota is again suing 3M Co. over contamination from its products containing “forever chemicals”, concerning pollution at its Cottage Grove manufacturing facility.
- The lawsuit, filed in Washington County District Court, alleges that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are harming the state’s ground and surface waters in violation of permits and state and federal laws.
- PFAS exposure is linked to serious health issues, including liver damage, altered cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, immune system impacts, decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and reduced birth weight.
- PFAS are known as forever chemicals because they do not break down naturally and accumulate in water systems, soil, wildlife, and the human body.
- Minnesota is seeking up to $30,000 per violation per day from 3M, along with an order to protect Minnesota waters from further harm.
- The pollution control agency also seeks improvements to the existing groundwater extraction system at the Cottage Grove facility to treat contaminated groundwater before discharge.
- 3M claims that it is not subject to liability related to the foam’s manufacture and testing.
Minnesota's lawsuit against 3M over PFAS contamination alleges serious environmental violations and seeks hefty penalties. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency claims the chemical pollutants have not only polluted ground and surface waters but have also been linked to various serious health issues.4
The filing, made in Washington County District Court, notes that PFAS, dubbed 'forever chemicals' for their enduring presence and accumulation in ecosystems, have numerous detrimental effects, including liver damage, altered cholesterol levels, and reduced fertility.2
In addition to seeking up to $30,000 per violation per day, the state demands that 3M enhance its groundwater extraction operations and treat contaminated water before discharge.
The lawsuit highlights that 3M has operated 47 separate industrial and stormwater outfalls feeding into the Mississippi River, exacerbating the pollution issue. 3M has stated it is not liable for liabilities related to the manufacture and testing of the foams cited in the complaint. Despite these legal challenges, the company previously announced its intention to stop global PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025, a target it claims to have met.
The ongoing legal battle reflects broader concerns about the impact of these persistent chemicals on both public health and the environment in Minnesota.
“Minnesota is suing 3M again over contamination from PFAS, claiming harm to water resources and seeking significant financial penalties. The state argues that exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health issues.”
Pioneer Press