Home / Environment / 3M Dumping Sites Linked to Toxic PFAS Pollution in Baytown Township
3M Dumping Sites Linked to Toxic PFAS Pollution in Baytown Township
5 Aug
Summary
- 3M settlement fund to cover cost of filters for Baytown Township homeowners
- PFAS pollution traced to 3M Oakdale dump and Washington County landfill
- Nearby cities of Stillwater and Oak Park Heights still unsure of PFAS source
As of August 5th, 2025, state scientists have confirmed that the toxic PFAS pollution found in private wells across Baytown Township, Minnesota, came from two 3M dumping sites. This means the $850 million 3M settlement fund created in 2018 will cover the cost of activated carbon filters for local homeowners.
"It's the best news," said Baytown Township supervisor Avis Peters, who shared the findings at the board's meeting earlier this week. The link to 3M's dumping grounds was established after state scientists found unhealthy levels of PFAS in about half of the private wells tested in the township. Further analysis showed a direct connection to the 3M Oakdale dump and the Washington County landfill.
However, the nearby cities of Stillwater and Oak Park Heights are not as fortunate. These cities are still unsure of how PFAS infiltrated their water supplies and have had to find alternate sources of funding to clean it up. In Stillwater, where PFAS has been detected in three city wells, local officials unsuccessfully sought federal aid and the state eventually stepped in with a $3 million grant.
