The State of New Jersey has announced a proposed settlement with Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC to remediate contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and compensate the public for natural resource damages. The announced settlement would be the largest single-site natural resource damages and remediation case in New Jersey’s history and the first to address PFAS contamination in the state.
The agreement includes financial commitments of nearly $393M and requires the company to:
- Pay for and implement comprehensive remedial activities,
- Provide financial support for certain public water system upgrades necessary to remove PFAS from drinking water,
- Further investigate and address certain PFAS impacts to public water systems and private potable drinking water wells in the vicinity, and
- Compensate the public for natural resources damaged by the discharge of hazardous substances.
In March 2019, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a Statewide Directive to Solvay and other companies responsible for PFAS contamination in New Jersey, ordering them to address their contribution to the injury of numerous environmentally sensitive natural resources, including regional potable groundwater. Solvay did not fully comply with DEP orders, and litigation followed. Solvay is the first company named in the directive to reach a proposed settlement with the state.
For full details on the settlement, visit the New Jersey DEP website.
