PFAS

EPA says the change will cut red tape, but new research suggests regulators may already be missing major sources of contamination.

New research shows how hurricanes can wash sewage, industrial chemicals and “everything in people’s garages” into North Carolina waterways, and how to prevent that in future storms.

Two new recently published studies highlight the pervasiveness of PFAS. One study found PFAS in sea foam along the North Carolina coast. Another found PFAS in the blood of some Wilmington residents.

The Environmental Management Commission met on Thursday and adopted new regulations on PFAS, wetlands, and testing for bacteria in recreational waters.

A watchdog report finds NC among the many states struggling to keep “forever chemicals” from landfills out of rivers and groundwater.

This week, state lawmakers made it more difficult to establish regulations that potentially protect the environment and public health with the passage of House Bill 402. Critics say the measure creates significant roadblocks to addressing air and water pollution.

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are found in several North Carolina waterways, including the Cape Fear River. Powerful lobbying groups like the NC Chamber have opposed legislative and regulatory efforts to stop PFAS at the source.

The Trump administration is expected to soon say whether it intends to stand by strict drinking water standards for forever chemicals set last year. The Environmental Protection Agency has said PFAS increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and babies being born with low birth weight.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is continuing Chemours’ search for groundwater contamination beyond the Lower Cape Fear.

Brunswick County is close to completing a multimillion-dollar project at its Northwest Water Treatment Plant. As part of the project, a reverse osmosis water treatment system is being installed at the plant to remove toxic chemicals known as PFAS.