“An announcement has been scheduled for this afternoon in the state’s lawsuit against 3M for disposal of chemicals in the east metro.

A settlement seems likely. Although attorneys from both sides declined comment, lawyers for the state were seen congratulating one another…

The case is one of the biggest environmental lawsuits in United States history, and it could have major implications for environmental law across the nation.

And aside from the $5 billion in damages, 3M — with its deep Minnesota roots and over $30 billion in annual sales — has its reputation at stake in this trial…

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson argues that 3M willfully disregarded the potential harm of PFCs on the environment and citizens before it stopped making the chemicals. The suit also said 3M held back critical information on PFCs from federal authorities.”

Read the full article by Elizabeth Dunbar & Kirsti Marohn.