North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality has introduced temporary limits on PFAS in groundwater, following concerns about contamination around the Chemours plant in Fayetteville.
Trista Talton reports for Coastal Review.
In short:
- The state set interim caps on PFAS levels in groundwater to address contamination until permanent rules are adopted.
- Public comments on the proposed limits for PFOS, PFOA and GenX will be accepted from November 1 through December 31.
- Research indicates PFAS may persist in groundwater around the Chemours plant until at least 2060.
Key quote:
“They’re piecemealing it. People in North Carolina can’t afford that. This is a big deal for DEQ to set this precedence to say we’re going to use the EPA’s fullest authority because EMC keeps dragging their feet."
— La'Meshia Whittington, Democracy Green cofounder.
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination poses a long-term risk to drinking water, especially in areas near industrial sites. Addressing the chemicals' persistence is crucial to safeguarding public health, as they do not easily degrade in the environment.
