Michigan Governor Wants to Sue 3M for Costs of Contamination

Gov. Rick Snyder wants Michigan to sue the manufacturer of chemicals linked to contaminated water detected at military bases and industrial sites across the state.

Snyder wrote a letter to Attorney General Bill Schuette seeking a lawsuit against 3M. The Minnesota-based company for decades produced Scotchgard and other chemicals used in fire retardants, nonstick cookware and other products.

Snyder says credible research shows per-and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS, pose health risks.

Schuette’s office says the letter is being reviewed. A 3M spokeswoman says the company “acted responsibly in connection with products containing PFAS, and will vigorously defend its environmental stewardship.”

In February, 3M agreed to pay the state of Minnesota $850 million to settle a case alleging the manufacturer damaged natural resources and contaminated groundwater by disposing of chemicals.