The State of Minnesota and community leaders built a plan to improve drinking water in the East Metro that is comprehensive, safe and sustainable, resilient and flexible. This plan utilizes settlement funds from a lawsuit between the State of Minnesota and 3M, for their disposal of PFAS in nearby communities. Below are resources to help local leaders share this information with stakeholders and community members.
Fast facts
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals initially developed by 3M in the 1950s, designed to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Some types of PFAS can persist in the environment for long periods of time and bioaccumulate in humans and animals. These compounds are the focus of ongoing research. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) continues to monitor the growing science about PFAS to protect human health.
Timeline
From the 1950s - 1970s, 3M disposed of PFAS at four sites in the East Metro, which were discovered in drinking water wells in 2004. Following investigations, remedial actions, and eventually a lawsuit between the State of Minnesota and 3M, the State settled the lawsuit for $850 million prioritizing safe and sustainable drinking water and enhancing natural resources.
Next steps
The next step is implementation of the final drinking water supply plan. Dollars are available to government units to design the details for their local projects in the plan. For individual homeowners, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will continue to manage the installation and maintenance of your in-home (POETS) systems. The State will continue to test private wells for PFAS at no cost to the homeowners.
In the news
Video: August 18, 2021 media briefing
Summary for newsletters
A settlement between 3M and the State of Minnesota created over $700 million to support safe drinking water efforts in the 14 East Metro communities impacted by PFAS contamination. These funds, which are being managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will be utilized in two ways:
- Ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water
- Enhancing aquatic resources, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreational opportunities
To learn more about how these funds will be used in our specific community, visit the 3M settlement website: Minnesota 3M PFAS Settlement | The State of Minnesota's 3M PFAS Settlement Portal (3msettlement.state.mn.us)
Videos
PFAS in the east metropolitan area: Keeping our drinking water safe
What are PFAS?
Our groundwater connection
Video courtesy of Washington County
Graphics
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