The foundation says it is bringing the action on behalf of approximately 550,000 people who currently live, or previously lived, in communities surrounding the manufacturing site. That representation claim has not yet been evaluated or approved by the court. 

Filing Seeks Phaseout and Compensation

The summons alleges that PFAS releases from the Dordrecht operation have affected residents and the surrounding environment over an extended period.

The foundation is asking the court for declarations concerning unlawful conduct and liability. It also seeks an order requiring PFAS emissions and discharges to be reduced annually and completely phased out by Dec. 31, 2030.

The requested relief includes a phaseout plan, associated penalties for failing to meet court-ordered requirements and compensation for alleged personal-injury and property-related losses.

These are allegations and requests made by the foundation. The summons is not a court ruling on liability, damages, representation or the merits of the claims. 

Three Corporate Entities Named

The court extract identifies Chemours Netherlands as the company operating in Dordrecht.

It also names Celanese Polymer Products Netherlands and Corteva Holding Netherlands 2, which the document describes in connection with earlier DuPont corporate entities.

The filing’s allegations concern emissions and discharges from manufacturing operations. It does not allege that finished paint or coatings products are the direct source of the claimed exposure.

Chemours Says Case Is in Early Stages

Chemours disclosed the summons in its third-quarter Form 10-Q.

The company said the foundation is seeking declarations of unlawful conduct and liability connected with PFAS emissions, a phaseout with associated penalties, and damages and costs related to personal-injury and property claims.

Chemours said it is reviewing the summons and that no procedural order has been entered. The company characterized the matter as being in its early stages, with significant factual issues still requiring review.

Chemours said a loss is reasonably possible but that it cannot currently develop a reasonable estimate of a possible loss or range of losses. 

Separate PFAS Matters Remain Pending

The filing is separate from the U.S. public-water settlement involving Chemours, DuPont and Corteva and from the recently announced $7.35 billion 3M agreement.

Chemours’ quarterly filing lists multiple PFAS-related legal and regulatory matters in the United States and Europe. The Dordrecht collective action is the latest proceeding identified by the company and remains at a preliminary stage.

The development is relevant to coatings manufacturers and formulators because Chemours is a significant global supplier of pigments, fluoromaterials and other performance materials. Litigation and regulation surrounding PFAS can affect manufacturing operations, material-development decisions and the long-term availability of fluorinated technologies.

Source: Rechtspraak, SEC

Note: The Nov. 4 summons names Chemours Netherlands, Celanese Polymer Products Netherlands and Corteva Holding Netherlands 2. Chemours says the matter is in its early stages, no procedural order has been entered and it cannot estimate a potential loss.

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