The chemical company Chemours has agreed to pay $450 million to address pollution from "forever chemicals" in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. These chemicals, known as PFAS, do not break down easily and can harm people's health. The agreement was announced by federal authorities on June 24, 2026.
This is the first major federal agreement with a PFAS producer to clean up contamination. Chemours will pay a $22.5 million fine and spend about $280 million to provide safe drinking water for communities near its plants in New Jersey and West Virginia. The company will also spend around $60 million on new equipment to remove PFAS at its West Virginia facility and fund a $90 million program to reduce chemical releases at all its plants over 15 years.
PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health problems, including cancer and developmental issues in children. The chemicals were found in water samples near New Jersey plants and discharged into the Ohio River, which supplies water to millions. The plants were previously owned by DuPont, which used PFAS to make products like Teflon.
Chemours must now limit its emissions and install better systems to detect leaks. The company did not admit fault but agreed to the settlement to avoid a long trial. The deal still needs approval from a federal judge. Chemours will continue to make PFAS for important industries.