State regulators heard hours of public feedback Monday on a proposed plan to address PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in North Carolina waterways — with a packed hearing room of residents, scientists and health professionals voicing frustration and concern over the proposal.
The proposal by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission would require certain industries and wastewater utilities to monitor discharges of PFAS and develop plans to reduce contamination.
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PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in products such as nonstick cookware and firefighting foam. They do not break down easily and have been linked to cancer and other health risks.
Critics say the proposal does not include enforceable limits on how much pollution can be released or require specific reductions.
The hearing drew a standing-room-only crowd at times, with more than 40 people signed up to speak. Many shared personal stories about illness, contaminated water and concerns about long-term exposure.
Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear, said the plan would leave too much responsibility on communities already dealing with contamination.
“The burden should not fall on the communities to have to clean this up. It should fall on the polluters,” Donovan said.
Several speakers described the proposal as a “self-regulating” system that allows companies to monitor and reduce their own pollution without clear limits or penalties.
“There are no real limits, no penalties if they fail to cut pollution, and no consequences,” said Sean Francis, an Alamance County resident who spoke at the hearing.
The proposal comes as communities across the state face growing costs to remove PFAS from drinking water systems.
Some residents described uncertainty about whether contamination may be linked to serious illnesses.
“I understand going to your tap and drinking your water and being concerned that this might be what caused you to get sick,” said Katie Schulist, a cancer survivor who previously lived in Wilmington.
Staff at the NC Department of Environmental Quality have said they want pollution reduced at the source, but the final rules are set by the Environmental Management Commission.
Experts also raised concerns about the scope of the plan, noting it focuses on just three PFAS compounds despite thousands of similar chemicals in use.
“Limiting the rule to just three PFAS and not providing numerical targets is insufficient,” said Detlef Knappe, a North Carolina State University researcher who has studied PFAS contamination in the state for more than a decade.
A physician paused as he addressed the commission, his voice breaking as he spoke about patients he has treated.
“I’ve seen people die,” said Dr. Mark McClure, a board-certified urologist. “It’s time to put some teeth into these regulations and hold polluters accountable.”
Written comments can also be submitted through June 15 by email to publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with the subject line “PFAS minimization.”
Another public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, April 23 in Wilmington at City Hall’s Skyline Center.
WRAL Documentary: "Forever Chemicals: North Carolina's Toxic Tap Water"
For decades, a North Carolina company dumped massive amounts of toxic chemicals into the Cape Fear River.
The WRAL Documentary "Forever Chemicals: North Carolina's Toxic Tap Water" looks into how the "forever chemicals" contaminated the river, air and groundwater surrounding the plant.
