A lawsuit from 2017 over the discovery of PFAS contamination in drinking water in northern parts of Kent County, Mich., has its settlement approved by a U.S. District Judge in Grand Rapids.

Wolverine Worldwide and 3M have agreed to pay $54 million in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from several factors including plaintiffs siting the level of PFAS contamination on their properties. Ester Berezofsky, the lead attorney representing the plaintiffs, said that they payment is for property damages, and not for claims of personal injury from PFAS exposure.

Should someone exposed to the PFAS chemicals become sick, however, future litigation against the companies is still possible.

In a statement following the approval of the settlement, Wolverine Worldwide said:

“We are pleased to have received final approval of the class action settlement agreement reached in September 2022. This approval reflects the continued progress we have made in resolving this matter for our community. We are furthering our commitment to the community through the ongoing municipal water installation and environmental remediation efforts.”

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