PFAS Litigation Updates

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The world of PFAS litigation is quickly evolving. As regulatory scrutiny of these compounds increases, so, too, will the body of associated case law. From class actions to multidistrict litigation, this section will regularly highlight developments in PFAS-related litigation.

Content in this section does not reflect the opinion of Alston & Bird or its attorneys.

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Previous Issues

3M and DuPont Argue for Dismissal of Nuisance Claims in California PFAS Case

Defendants 3M and DuPont have asked the Central District of California to dismiss Golden State Water Company’s public nuisance claims. 3M and DuPont argue the complaint fails to sufficiently show they caused the harms alleged. Defendants also argue that Plaintiff lacks the exclusive possession of property necessary to sustain a trespass claim, and that Plaintiff’s nuisance-related allegations fail to show any requisite affirmative conduct by 3M and DuPont.

November 20, 2020 | Golden State Water Co. v. 3M et al., No. 2:20-cv-08897-SVW-AS (C.D. Cal.)

Third Circuit Sides with 3M, Sending PFAS Securities Fraud Class Action to Minnesota

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 3M’s favor, sending a securities fraud class action—alleging that 3M underrepresented its potential PFAS-related liability and failed to maintain adequate reserves for such liabilities—from New Jersey to Minnesota. The Court emphasized that, despite the environmental harms involved being in New Jersey, other factors, such as the location of 3M’s headquarters where many of the alleged fraudulent statements were made, tipped the balance in favor of transfer.

November 18, 2020 | In re: 3M Company, et al., No. 20-2864 (3rd Cir.)

Putative Class Action Filed for Alleged PFAS in Menstrual Products

A California resident has filed a putative action against Thinx Inc., a manufacturer of underwear designed for feminine hygiene purposes. Plaintiff alleges that, despite representations that it “take[s] consumer health and safety seriously,” Thinx  knowingly manufactured products containing dangerously high levels of PFAS. Plaintiff asserts claims for breach of implied warranty, unjust enrichment, violations of California’s false advertising and consumer protection laws and negligent failure to warn, seeking a declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, and attorneys’ fees and expenses.

November 12, 2020 | Kanan v. Thinx, Inc., No. 2:20-cv-10341 (C.D. Cal.)

New Jersey Newest to List of States to File PFAS-Related Lawsuits

New Jersey’s Attorney General has sued Solvay Specialty Polymers USA LLC following the company’s alleged refusal to investigate and clean up PFAS contamination in the state. New Jersey separately sued Honeywell International Inc., who claims it is working with regulators to remediate its site in Edgewater, New Jersey. The state seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, reimbursement for clean-up costs from Honeywell, and damages from Solvay.

November 11, 2020 | New Jersey Dep’t of Envt’l Protection et al. v. Honeywell International, Inc., No. BER-L-006867-20 (Super. Ct. N.J.); New Jersey Dep’t of Envt’l Protection et al. v. Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC et al., No. BER-L-006867-20 (Super. Ct. N.J.)

Southern California Water Agency Sues Over Alleged PFAS Contamination

The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency in Southern California filed suit against multiple companies—including Raytheon Technologies, Chemours, DuPont, and 3M—for alleged contributions of PFAS to the area water supply. Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency’s suit has been added to a growing list of public water providers’ claims consolidated in the South Carolina MDL.

October 28, 2020 | In re Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2873 (D.S.C.)