3M and DuPont are the primary manufacturers of PFAS chemicals, a family of chemicals which includes PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA and PFOA, the chemical that has been the contaminant of concern in Bennington since 2016. The lawsuits seek damages for state-wide harm to Vermont’s drinking water and natural resources, including groundwater, surface waters, and wildlife. The State filed two lawsuits in the Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Civil Division on Wednesday. I believe the manufacturers of these chemicals – who continued to profit from their sale long after knowing the potential harm – should be held financially responsible for their negative impact on Vermonters,” Governor Scott added. “As we begin to implement Act 21 (S.49), we expect to find concentrations of PFAS requiring additional response work. “I appreciate all of the work the Agency of Natural Resources has put into this effort in cooperation with the Attorney General’s office,” said Governor Scott. We’re taking this action to protect Vermonters and our environment by holding these companies responsible for the environmental harms they caused.” For decades, they knew these chemicals were harmful and gave no notice to the public. “These lawsuits are against the companies that invented, made, and sold PFAS chemicals and related products. “This is about making Vermont whole, by making the responsible parties pay to remove their toxic chemicals from Vermont’s groundwater and other resources,” said Attorney General Donovan. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) and related DuPont companies as the major chemical makers who manufactured and distributed PFAS chemicals and related products. The lawsuits name the 3M Company (3M) and E. Donovan announced that the State of Vermont has taken a major environmental action to protect Vermont’s drinking water and natural resources by filing two lawsuits against companies for the manufacturing and distribution of PFAS chemicals and PFAS-containing products in Vermont. Contact: Rob McDougall, Chief, Environmental Division, (802) 828-3171

Toxic chemicals decade ago new files