Factories that release PFAS into North Carolina’s waterways could be left to their own devices under a new proposal by state bureaucrats overseeing water quality.
The N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC), responsible for regulating the state’s water resources, is considering a proposal to have producers of “forever chemicals” self-report PFAS levels in water they discharge from their factories. The rule would introduce a wastewater monitoring program for PFAS polluters, but it would leave it to the companies to monitor their own contamination levels and institute reduction plans if limits are exceeded.
The draft rule was discussed by the EMC at a committee meeting on March 12. It applies to more than 600 industrial sites that release PFAS in their wastewater, WRAL reported. The news outlet also reported that the proposal was heavily influenced by industry stakeholders, with EMC members acknowledging that a good deal of its language came from industry groups.
Exposure to PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is linked to a number of adverse health effects, including kidney cancer, heart disease and reproductive issues. The EMC’s proposed rule comes as the local PFAS contamination crisis grows, with well-water contamination spreading to six counties around the Fayetteville Works plant and scientists warning of the dangers of eating garden produce grown near the Chemours plant.
The Southern Environmental Law Center urged the EMC not to advance the draft rule.
“This draft rule is offensive to families throughout North Carolina who deserve clean, safe drinking water,” SELC senior attorney Jean Zhuang said. “Under this rule, PFAS-polluting industries could do absolutely nothing to reduce their toxic waste for the next century and face no consequences.”
The EMC previously faced criticism for delaying and weakening the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s proposed rules on PFAS in groundwater last year. Interim groundwater rules for eight PFAS are currently in effect, and the EMC is expected to vote on the final rules this summer.
A revised draft of the proposed plan for monitoring industrial PFAS waste is expected to be discussed by the EMC in May.
Contact Evey Weisblat at eweisblat@cityviewnc.com or 216-527-3608. This story was made possible by donations from readers like you to CityView News Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to an informed democracy in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
Why not do it? They excuse every other form of underhandedness known to man
This can not be allowed. Companies WILL NOT and SHOULD NOT be in control of water discharge from their companies. This is an outrageous idea. We are in trouble now from DuPont and Chemours who haven’t done a thing but continue to pollute. Our lives and well being depend on help to stop the pollution. We are already in very dangerous territory. NO MORE, PLEASE.
How could this possibly be good to help reduce contamination? Makes no sense.
It will not reduce pollution. Of course it makes no sense.
Sad not to see more comments on such an important action.