Chemours to pay $450M in first federal "forever chemicals" settlement

Chemours has agreed to pay $450 million to resolve federal and state charges concerning its manufacturing of polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals, commonly known as "forever chemicals." This landmark settlement marks the first time the federal government has reached a comprehensive agreement with a major PFAS producer, aiming to curb contamination at its source. "This first comprehensive federal settlement against a major PFAS manufacturer delivers on the Trump Administration's promise to make polluters pay and stop PFAS contamination at the source," stated Jeffrey A. Hall, assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. He added that existing legal authorities can significantly reduce PFAS contamination in water, land, and air, and begin to mitigate past harm. The multi-state agreement includes a $22.5 million civil penalty for alleged violations. Chemours will also spend $90 million over 15 years to reduce PFAS discharges in New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Additionally, the company will invest an estimated $280 million to implement controls preventing PFAS releases at its West Virginia facility and to provide clean drinking water to nearby communities in West Virginia and New Jersey. Chemours, a spinoff of DuPont, stated that the settlement acknowledges steps already taken to halt PFAS emissions at its plants. The agreement permits Chemours to continue producing PFAS for commercial and military uses. This federal settlement is separate from a previous agreement where Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva agreed to pay New Jersey up to $2 billion for environmental claims related to PFAS. PFAS chemicals, known for resisting heat, water, oil, and grease, are found in numerous consumer goods, including nonstick cookware. However, exposure to these substances has been linked to severe health problems, such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, developmental issues, and immune system disorders.

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This first comprehensive federal settlement against a major PFAS manufacturer delivers on the Trump Administration's promise to make polluters pay and stop PFAS contamination at the source.