PFAS

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.

There are three groundwater standards for PFAS under consideration. Public comment overwhelmingly supports the proposed regulations, but is also pushing for more action.

The state's Environmental Management Commission voted Thursday to move forward with proposed groundwater standards for toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The public comment period is expected to start in November. The standards could be effective as soon as mid-2025.

The largest landfill in North Carolina is located in Sampson County, next to a small, historically Black community called Snow Hill. The landfill has a well-documented history of air pollution. Recent data also shows nearby water is contaminated with toxic chemicals known as PFAS.

A new study from North Carolina researchers shows some fish in Jordan Lake and the Haw River contain different levels of toxic chemicals known as PFAS. Humans are exposed to PFAS in many different ways, including eating fish.

State environmental officials are working to adopt groundwater and surface water standards for toxic chemicals known as PFAS. But the rule making process is taking longer than expected.

The Biden administration is providing funding to help water systems meet PFAS regulations. But will it be enough?