The Federal Court of Australia has accepted the government’s lawsuit against the American chemical corporation ‘3M Company’ and its local subsidiary (‘3M Australia Pty Ltd’). Authorities are seeking over 2 billion Australian dollars (around 1.4 billion US dollars) in compensation for chemical contamination of 28 military bases and surrounding areas. This was reported by the press service of the Australian Attorney General’s Office.
Subject of the lawsuit and background
According to the lawsuit, the cause of the contamination was per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contained in fire-fighting foams produced by 3M and used by the Australian armed forces. The government also accuses the company of concealing data regarding the ecological impact of these substances.
According to Australian Deputy Minister of Defence Peter Khalil, the department has already spent 1.3 billion Australian dollars (925 million US dollars) on investigations, land remediation, and community compensation programs. Local sources report that the infiltration of chemicals beyond military bases has led to partial contamination of land resources and drinking water sources in surrounding areas.
Defendant's position
According to an official statement from ‘3M Company’, the company has never produced PFAS in Australia and ceased sales of these substances in that market about 20 years ago. Company representatives claim that the Australian Department of Defence continued to use the specified substances in fire-fighting agents for another two decades after the cessation of supplies.
Note
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). A group of artificial chemical compounds that do not break down in the environment due to their stable molecular structure (“forever chemicals”). Used in the production of Teflon, paints, polymers, and fire-fighting foams.
