Monsanto Settles Seattle PCB Suit for $160 Million

The settlement resolves the city's lawsuit over PCB pollution that allegedly contaminated the Lower Duwamish River.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Organic Food

Monsanto Settles Seattle PCB Suit for $160 Million

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Monsanto agreed to pay the city of Seattle $160 million to settle a lawsuit over PCB pollution, resolving the case filed in 2016 without any admission of liability. The settlement was reached in mediation in June, ahead of a scheduled September trial.

Why it matters

The city alleged Monsanto polluted the Lower Duwamish River for years through PCBs, and the settlement funds may allow Seattle Public Utilities to expand its source control program. The payment resolves a case that had been headed to trial in Seattle.

The $160 million settlement includes $35 million earmarked for PCB remediation and $125 million to reimburse the city for its unique claims. Nine other municipal opt-out cases against Monsanto remain pending, and the timeline for remediation work has not been specified.

The players

Monsanto

Monsanto is an agricultural and chemical company that manufactured polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) until ceasing production in 1977.

Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities is the city agency responsible for managing the city's water, drainage and wastewater systems, and its source control program could expand with the settlement funds.

The details

PCBs remaining in exterior paint and caulking have continually contaminated stormwater flowing into the Lower Duwamish River, according to the city's allegations. The city claimed Monsanto was aware for decades of PCB dangers yet continued promoting their use, though the settlement contains no admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company.

2016: Seattle filed its lawsuit against Monsanto.
1977: Monsanto ceased manufacturing PCBs.
June: Mediation concluded with the settlement amount.
September: The lawsuit had been scheduled for trial.

Legal Context

Seattle's settlement follows Monsanto's earlier nationwide class action deal with 2500 local government bodies, and it resolves a municipal claim that stood apart from that broader agreement. Nine other municipal opt-out cases against Monsanto remain pending, indicating the litigation has not fully concluded.

The settlement funds may expand Seattle Public Utilities' source control program, which could affect stormwater management in neighborhoods along the Lower Duwamish River. Residents near the waterway may see remediation work as the funds are deployed.

The takeaway

Municipal lawsuits can secure significant funding for environmental cleanup even when defendants deny wrongdoing. Residents concerned about local waterways can track how settlement funds are spent through city utility reporting.