Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva settle PFAS contamination lawsuit in North Carolina

Chemical manufacturing companies Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva have reached a multi-million dollar settlement with the state of North Carolina and 11 local municipalities to resolve a yearslong lawsuit regarding PFAS contamination. The settlement addresses the impact of ‘forever chemicals’ on drinking water supplies and air quality in southeastern North Carolina.

Under the agreement, approximately $455 million will be distributed, with $75 million allocated to the state. Of that state portion, roughly $55 million is designated for the recently created Emerging Contaminant Mitigation Fund. The state and the 11 local entities—including New Hanover, Brunswick, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Robeson, and Sampson counties, as well as Wrightsville Beach, Lumberton, Bald Head Island, and the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority—will receive a total of $380 million over the next 15 years.

Chemours will contribute $180 million, covering 50% of the total payment, while DuPont and Corteva will split the remaining 50%. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson stated that the deal forces the companies to pay for the harm caused to the state’s water and natural resources.