From 1990-2000, 3M has implemented pollution prevention and control programs, and has acheived these results (based on absolute pound reductions):

• 88 percent reduction in volatile organic air emissions.
• 82 percent reduction in releases to water.
• 12 percent reduction in solid waste.
• 88 percent reduction in U.S. EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) releases.

3M’s 2005 environmental practices goals:

• Improve energy efficiency by 20 percent in 2005, normalized to net sales, from a 2000 base year.
• Reduce waste by 25 percent in 2005, normalized to net sales, from a 2000 base year.
• Reduce volatile air emissions by 25 percent in 2005, normalized to net sales, from a 2000 base year. (3M achieved a 93 percent reduction in 2000 from a 1990 base year.)
• Reduce US TRI releases by 50 percent in 2005, normalized to net sales, from a 1999 base year. (3M achieved a 93 percent reduction in 2000 from a 1990 base year.)
• Double the number of Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) projects from the previous five-year period from 194 to 400 projects.
• Reduce worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% in 2005 (from a 1990 base year).

—Source: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/

3M states that the PFC contamination of the Mississippi River and surrounding area near the company's Cottage Grove plant will be "cleaned though a combination of groundwater pumpout wells and soil sediment excavation."^[8] The plan for the restoration of the area includes a complete analysis of the entire company property and surrounding lands.^[9] The Perfluorochemicals have been released into the environment surrounding the facility starting in the 1940s and lasting until 2002.^[10] The chemicals produced are the result of the company's non-stick cookware, stain resistant fabrics, and other similar products.^[11] The on-site water treatment facility that handles the plant's post-production water is not capable of removing the PFCs, which were pumped into the nearby Mississippi River.^[12] Estimates on the total cost of the clean-up to be incurred by 3M range from 50-56 million dollars, which will come out of the $147 million pot the company set aside in 2006 to deal with environmental issues relating to the company.^[13] The search area for PFCs in the Mississippi River now extends to five states, spanning approximately half of the river's total distance.^[14] Perfluorochemicals do not break down or degrade in the environment."^[15]

3M rates as number 70 out of the United States 100 top air polluters on the PERI Toxic 100 list, producing 4.75 million pounds of air pollutants every year.^[16] The Cottage Grove site represents 3M's third highest pollutant producing facility, releasing 244,715 lb. of pollution into the air yearly.^[17]

-Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3M