3M Plans to Contest Australia’s $2 Billion PFAS Claim
The company outlined its planned defence in a lawsuit over firefighting foam contamination at Australian Defence Force bases.
Key takeaways
- Australia is seeking $2 billion from 3M over PFAS contamination at 28 Defence Force bases.
- 3M plans to challenge the public nuisance claim and focus on one base rather than six.
3M plans to challenge the Australian government’s $2 billion lawsuit over PFAS contamination at 28 Defence Force bases. The company outlined its proposed defence at a Federal Court hearing on Thursday.
The Commonwealth alleges 3M continued selling firefighting foam until 2003 despite knowing of risks from its chemical components since 1979. It is seeking damages for contamination of land and water, including drinking water.
3M’s lawyer said the company would contest the public nuisance claim and other allegations. The defence also plans to focus on one base, while the Commonwealth has proposed six as representative sites.
3M’s formal defence is due December 11. The next case management hearing is set for December 1.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
