MICHIGAN (From news reports) -- The Michigan Office of Attorney General has reached a settlement agreement with Domtar Industries over the release of PFAS in its paper manufacturing process.

Dana Nessel, Michigan's Attorney General, filed a lawsuit against Domtar in December 2022 alleging its manufacturing process resulted in a toxic sludge that resulted in the spread of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, at a composting site near Port Huron.

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals" are known for being slow to degrade and can have negative health effects if consumed.

According to the original lawsuit filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Domtar allegedly sent the toxic material to Techni-Comp's composting facility at 4152 Dove Road. Testing in the area found PFAS in nearby ground and drinking water above what was allowed by state regulations.

The settlement requires Domtar to remove the PFAS-contaminated sludge from the site and dispose of it in a licensed landfill. Domtar will also be required to investigate the presence of PFAs in the sediment in surface water at the site, and pay $300,000 to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to help clear the site of PFAS.

Domtar will also pay the state to cover the cost of its previous oversight efforts and the cost of litigation, including attorney fees.

The parties reached the settlement agreement on June 20, according to a news release announcing the settlement.

"I started the PFAS Litigation project in 2020 to bring relief to communities impacted by PFAS contamination, and this settlement is another step in the right direction," Nessel said in the news release. "It reflects my commitment to protecting the public and Michigan's natural resources. My office will continue to pursue that goal, whether through the courts or cooperative efforts."

Domtar previously operated in Port Huron at 1700 Washington Ave. It was based in the city for 130 years before closing in 2021.