How New Jersey Secured a Record $875 Million Deal Over Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’

Three major chemical companies will pay New Jersey $875 million to settle claims over decades of pollution from PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” State officials say this is the largest environmental settlement ever reached by a single state.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the deal on Monday. He said it will fund cleanup efforts at four contaminated industrial sites and establish a $1.2 billion remediation fund.

“These dangerous chemicals build up and accumulate everywhere,” Platkin said. “New Jersey has some of the highest levels of PFAS in the country.”

The companies, Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva, will share the costs. Chemours will cover 50 percent, DuPont about 36 percent, and Corteva 14 percent. The agreement also sets aside $475 million to ensure cleanup continues even if one of the companies defaults or goes bankrupt.

The settlement targets contamination from four sites, including the former DuPont Pompton Lakes Works in Passaic County and the Chambers Works site in Salem County. Both sites produced chemicals and explosives components for decades.

Shawn LaTourette, the state’s environmental protection commissioner, said the companies will be held accountable for the harm they caused.

“Polluters who place profit above public well-being can expect to be held responsible,” LaTourette said. “This settlement will help restore natural resources and protect public health.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of products. They resist heat, water, and oil, which made them attractive for use in nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, waterproof clothing, and cosmetics.

But these same properties mean PFAS do not break down easily. They remain in the environment and accumulate in human bodies over time.

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health problems. These include liver damage, immune system suppression, low birth weight, and some cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.

PFAS enter the environment through spills, industrial waste, and wastewater systems. Once in the ground or water, they spread widely and are hard to remove.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently set strict limits for PFAS in drinking water. The agency capped levels of two common types, PFOA and PFOS, at 4 parts per trillion.

Many of the health risks tied to PFAS have been known for years. Activists and state officials have accused companies of hiding data and delaying action. Lawsuits filed across the country have alleged that manufacturers knew about the risks but continued producing PFAS.

New Jersey has taken a tough stance. Last year, the state reached a $450 million settlement with chemical manufacturer 3M. That deal followed a $393 million agreement with Solvay and a $33 million settlement with Arkema Inc., both over PFAS contamination.

Monday’s settlement adds another major chapter in the state’s efforts to hold chemical companies accountable.

The three companies said in a joint statement that the settlement “resolves all legacy contamination claims” related to their current and former sites in New Jersey.

Separate from this deal, the companies have also signed national agreements to help water systems address PFAS pollution.

For residents living near the contaminated sites, the settlement offers a measure of relief. Many have expressed concern about long-term exposure and the impact on their health and drinking water.

The agreement still needs court approval. If approved, funds will be used to clean up the affected areas and monitor long-term health and environmental effects.

LaTourette said the state will continue to pursue polluters. “This is a major step,” he said, “but our work is not finished.”

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