OREANDA-NEWS. 3M Company and 3M United Kingdom PLC today announced that the States of Guernsey dismissed its claims against 3M Company and 3M United Kingdom PLC, with prejudice. A trial, which pertained to the purchase, use and disposal of 3M Light Water Brand Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) by Guernsey Airport, began on Jan. 18, 2016, in the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, London. The States of Guernsey also agreed to make a substantial contribution toward 3M’s legal costs.

“We are pleased to resolve this dispute on favorable terms for 3M,” said Jean Bennington Sweeney, vice president, 3M Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability. “After a full airing of the facts and circumstances through the testimony of the witnesses, it is unmistakably clear that 3M acted responsibly in the production and sale of its AFFF products. Most important, the evidence presented shows the presence of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) on Guernsey presents no harm to the community or the environment.”

On July 31, 2013, to resolve certain allegations made by the States of Guernsey, 3M United Kingdom PLC filed a negative declaration against the States of Guernsey in the High Court of Justice. The States of Guernsey filed its Defence and Counterclaim on Feb. 3, 2014, and added 3M Company as a third party on March 4, 2014.

From 1976 to 1999, 3M United Kingdom PLC sold AFFF to the States of Guernsey, primarily for use at the Guernsey and Alderney airports.

In May 2000, 3M announced that it would voluntarily phase-out the production of products containing certain PFCs, including its AFFF product line – well ahead of many of its competitors and ahead of any legislation requiring such action.