ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
3M Company and 3M United Kingdom PLC today announced that the States of
Guernsey dismissed its claims against 3M Company and 3M United Kingdom
PLC, with prejudice. A trial, which pertained to the purchase, use and
disposal of 3M Light Water Brand Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) by
Guernsey Airport, began on Jan. 18, 2016, in the High Court of Justice,
Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, London. The States of Guernsey
also agreed to make a substantial contribution toward 3M’s legal costs.
“We are pleased to resolve this dispute on favorable terms for 3M,” said
Jean Bennington Sweeney, vice president, 3M Environment, Health, Safety
and Sustainability. “After a full airing of the facts and circumstances
through the testimony of the witnesses, it is unmistakably clear that 3M
acted responsibly in the production and sale of its AFFF products. Most
important, the evidence presented shows the presence of
perfluorochemicals (PFCs) on Guernsey presents no harm to the community
or the environment.”
On July 31, 2013, to resolve certain allegations made by the States of
Guernsey, 3M United Kingdom PLC filed a negative declaration against the
States of Guernsey in the High Court of Justice. The States of Guernsey
filed its Defence and Counterclaim on Feb. 3, 2014, and added 3M Company
as a third party on March 4, 2014.
From 1976 to 1999, 3M United Kingdom PLC sold AFFF to the States of
Guernsey, primarily for use at the Guernsey and Alderney airports.
In May 2000, 3M announced that it would voluntarily phase-out the
production of products containing certain PFCs, including its AFFF
product line – well ahead of many of its competitors and ahead of any
legislation requiring such action.
About 3M
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improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees
connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s
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Source: 3M