The city of Savannah, Georgia, is fighting back against 3M, a multinational chemical science company that many have alleged are responsible for the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the city’s drinking water. According to recent motions in the case of The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia v. 3M Company et al, 3M is attempting to argue that the class action suit must be tried in federal court – a move that would set back Savannah citizens by over a decade.
PFAS Lawsuit Background
The PFAS lawsuit was brought to the superior court of Chatham County on Feb. 5, 2025, after the city rejected a buyout settlement of $12 billion in 2023. The buyout ended all multi-district litigation claims against 3M, DuPont and other chemical manufacturers from those that took the settlement – part of the reason for rejecting the lawsuit was that the city’s suit is focused on creation of PFAS as a result of created commercial consumer goods, and was not part of the MDL that focused on fire-fighting foam produced by 3M. The lawsuit also alleged that manufacturers failed to properly warn governments and consumers of the dangers and levels of the chemicals in the local environment.
The damages associated with the current lawsuit include water treatment, medical monitoring, environmental cleanup, diminished property values and other alleged public health impacts. Suit has been brought on behalf of multiple municipalities and water authorities. The danger with PFAS and other “forever chemicals” is that it may be impossible or otherwise extremely expensive to fully remove them from the local environment.
Motion to Remand
3M is arguing that it is impossible to separate the commercial consumer goods claim from the claim of fire-suppressant foam manufacturing. 3M’s motion to remand Savannah’s case to federal court is a move that 3M and other large corporations have employed often – this type of motion gives companies years or decades to abate public sentiment and muddy the waters.
A spokesman for the city of Savannah was quoted as saying: “If successful, 3M’s strategy could delay the City of Savannah’s case by as much as a decade — and this is not hyperbole, but the estimate of the AFFF MDL Court itself.”
What This Means for Class Action Suits in Georgia
The motion by 3M to remand to federal court is not unique – as previously mentioned, it is a relatively common tactic of large corporations to give them more time to plan their next move. However, if successful, the motion could have wide-ranging ramifications on other cities and citizens that hold their own suits against 3M. A successful motion would likely be replicated for other, similar suits, both against 3M for alleged PFAS contamination and other suits involving toxic dumping and environmental hazards. Such a move would likely force the plaintiffs to reconsider their position on accepting a settlement – especially if the alternative is to wait as much as a decade for any meaningful progress.
The mayor and aldermen of the city of Savannah are represented by Jeffrey R. Harris, Stephen G. Lowry, Jed D. Manton, Madeline E. McNeeley and Cole F. Donahue of Harris Lowry Manton LLP, Rebecca Franklin Harris of Franklin Law LLC, Jeff Friedman, Matt Conn, Madison Gitschier and Ethan Wright of Friedman Dazzio & Zulanas PC and R. Bates Lovett of the City Attorney’s Office.
3M Co. is represented by Charles G. Spalding Jr. of King & Spalding LLP.
The case is The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia v. 3M Company et al., case number 4:25-cv-00058, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
If you or someone you know has been injured in a toxic spill, chemical leakage, or other type of industrial or civil accident, you need to contact our experienced team of personal injury lawyers today. The McArthur Law Firm has won millions in damages in a number of areas, including medical malpractice, car accidents and truck accidents.
For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
