DOJ, EPA announce proposed $450 million Chemours PFAS settlement

On June 24, 2026, the Justice Department, EPA, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection announced a proposed consent decree with Chemours over PFAS releases tied to facilities in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. PFAS are synthetic “forever chemicals” used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains. The federal docket page shows the decree was lodged June 24 and is now open for comment.

Under the proposed terms, Chemours would pay a $22.5 million civil penalty and fund $90 million in mitigation projects. DOJ says the plan also calls for pollution controls in West Virginia, drinking-water sampling near the West Virginia and New Jersey facilities, and clean or treated water if needed. The department estimates the penalty and relief programs will exceed $450 million.

Why it matters

For people near the affected sites, the practical issue is whether the cleanup and water-treatment commitments actually reduce PFAS exposure and future costs. DOJ also said the proposed settlement does not resolve DuPont’s liability for past PFAS violations.

What happens next

The Federal Register notice says public comments are due no later than 30 days after publication, which makes July 29, 2026 the deadline.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Justice press release on Chemours PFAS settlement
• EPA proposed consent decree PDF
• Associated Press report on the Chemours settlement