EPA restricts harmful chemical imports to North Carolina

In a victory for public health, EPA backed away from a previous decision that would have allowed Chemors Co. to import harmful PFAS “forever chemicals” waste from a plant in the Netherlands to a plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 

Specifically, Chemors had been seeking approval to import waste containing GenX, a chemical in the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals” which have been linked to adverse health risks, including cancer.

The decision to halt transport came after much backlash from North Carolinians, including Governor Cooper who strongly urged the EPA to reverse its decision. The EPA also indicated that information presented to them by the NC Department of Environmental Quality influenced their decision to reverse approval of relocating the waste to North Carolina.

Ingesting water contaminated with PFAS and GenX has potentially serious health consequences the discovery of which is still ongoing. According to the EPA, health effects of animals who have ingested GenX contaminated water include an increased likelihood of cancer as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, immune system, and may also affect offspring. 

Emily Mason, Environment North Carolina Advocate, said, “As the people of North Carolina continue to fight for clean, safe drinking water, EPA’s decision to halt transport of harmful chemicals to Fayetteville will help us stay on track.”