Consent Decree resolves environmental litigation between the Company, State of Michigan, and Townships

Wolverine reaches settlement with 3M

Wolverine Worldwide announced that U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff has approved a Consent Decree reached earlier this month among the Company, the State of Michigan, Plainfield Charter Township, and Algoma Township. This Consent Decree resolves the litigation between the parties and includes significant next steps in Wolverine’s already extensive efforts to ensure long-term water quality and continued environmental remediation in and around its hometown.

The Company also announced a settlement of its lawsuit against 3M Company. Under the terms of the settlement, 3M is making a lump sum financial contribution of $55 million towards Wolverine’s efforts to address PFAS remediation under the Consent Decree.

To read Wolverine’s press release, the Consent Decree, and Judge Neff’s order approving the Consent Decree, please click the links below:

WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE’S EXPANDED EFFORTS TO ADDRESS PFAS APPROVED BY FEDERAL JUDGE

FEBRUARY 19, 2020 CONSENT DECREE

FEBRUARY 19,2020 APPROVAL OF CONSENT DECREE

We will continue keeping the community informed through regular updates on this blog, www.WeAreWolverine.com, and through information posted at kiosks and in other locations accessible to the public. As always, residents with questions are encouraged to contact Wolverine directly at HouseStreet@wwwinc.com or (616) 866-5627.

WE ARE WOLVERINE

Rockford is our home and we’ve always acted responsibly and taken our obligations as part of this community personally.

In 1998, 3M began discussions on their formula change with its customers because PFOA and PFOS – two of the PFAS family of compounds – were “persistent in the environment.” We relied on 3M’s representations to the EPA, FDA, scientific bodies, and Wolverine regarding the safety of the Scotchgard™ formula.

We’ve been working with MDEQ since November 2016, when we became aware of the possible presence of PFAS in groundwater at our former Tannery location. We continue to work with the state to identify and test possible sites, and we’re close to completing that process. Every resident whose water is being tested has a water solution until they have answers. While the science is not conclusive, we’re working proactively to develop solutions, share information with you, and restore our community’s confidence in its drinking water. Much more information is available here on our WeAreWolverine.com blog.