THE WHAT? The Netherlands administration plans to hold chemicals manufacturer 3M to account for polluting the Western Scheldt river with PFAS, according to a report published by Reuters.

THE DETAILS The Dutch government has ordered an assessment to calculate 3M’s liability; the company produces products containing the controversial chemicals in a plant just across the Belgian border.   

THE WHY? 3M told Reuters that it has received a letter from the government’s legal representative and welcomes ‘the opportunity for conversation with the Dutch government and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management’. Minister for that department, Mark Harbers told Reuters that polluters should pay for the damage they cause to the environment.