A federal court has approved a landmark $2.5 billion settlement between New Jersey, DuPont and 3M over widespread contamination from so-called “forever chemicals,” state officials announced Friday.

The agreements resolve lawsuits brought by New Jersey over PFAS contamination, including litigation against E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co. that was first filed in 2019 and a separate case involving 3M. The settlements were initially reached in August 2025 and have now received judicial approval.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of long-lasting chemicals that have been widely used in consumer and industrial products, including cookware, cosmetics and carpeting. Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to serious health concerns.

New Jersey officials identified four locations where contamination was particularly significant: the Pompton Lakes Works site in Pompton Lakes and Wanaque; the Parlin site in Sayreville; the Repauno site in Greenwich Township; and Chambers Works in Pennsville and Carneys Point Township.

“For years, corporate polluters have profited from ‘forever chemicals’ while causing untold damage to our communities,” New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said, calling the settlement an important step toward addressing the environmental damage.

Under the agreement, up to $365 million will be dedicated to addressing PFAS-related damage and restoring natural resources near the four contaminated sites.

The settlement underwent a 60-day public comment period conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection before the state sought court approval in late 2025. Officials said objections raised by 18 counties and a coalition of publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities were subsequently resolved.

DuPont and 3M are expected to make payments under the settlement annually over the next 25 years.