Homeowners who sued 3M won't get damages

A Washington County jury has decided in favor of 3M Co., awarding no damages to homeowners who claimed their property values decreased because of chemicals in their well water.

3M spokesman Bill Nelson says the company is pleased with Wednesday's verdict. The jury evidently agreed that 3M behaved appropriately based on what was then-known about perfluorochemicals, or PFCs, which 3M made for products including Scotchgard and nonstick cookware.

3M had dumped the chemicals in four east-metro sites until the mid-1970s. The case brought by three households hinged on whether 3M knew whether the chemicals were likely to spread through groundwater.

An attorney for the homeowners had argued 3M knew about the exposure, but didn't report it to authorities.

3M stopped making PFCs earlier this decade.

___

Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com