The North Carolina Division of Water Resources released interim maximum allowable concentrations to help define cleanup targets for groundwater contaminated with high levels of the chemical compounds.
Public Health
Van der Vaart: Likely carcinogen does not equal carcinogen
Chief Administrative Law Judge and Director of the Office of Administrative Hearings Dr. Donald van der Vaart revoked permit limits of 1,4-dioxane for municipal wastewater treatment plants that discharge a compound the EPA calls a likely human carcinogen into the drinking water sources of tens of thousands.
NC focuses on helping municipal water, sewer — not septic
Some towns are providing assistance for people on private systems, about half the state’s households.
Court dismisses case challenging PFAS health advisory
A federal appeals court this week dismissed Chemours’ petition to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory related to the toxicity of a compound used in the company’s GenX manufacturing.
Commission members balk on 5 proposed PFAS standards
Committees of the Environmental Management Commission stalled proposed health standards for most of the eight synthetic compounds put forth, including two the EPA classified as likely carcinogens.
Forecasters, lifeguards warn: Rip currents are deadly
Rip currents have killed four times as many people in the Carolinas since 2000 as tornados, floods and wind combined, a National Weather Service official said.
Superintendent vows ‘complete remediation’ of Buxton site
Superintendent David Hallac told attendees at a public meeting on the pollution and debris on Buxton Beach that Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials are working with the Corps and Navy on cleanup and funding options amid the bureaucratic logjam.
Burnin’ up: State offers help for top weather-related killer
North Carolina climate and resilience officials say the heat action toolkit they have developed is a customizable guide for local governments to more successfully prevent heat-related deaths amid rising global temperatures.
Totals on PFAS-contaminated utilities ‘coming down daily’
The state’s top drinking water protection official told the Environmental Management Commission Thursday that a shrinking number of North Carolinians get their drinking water from public systems with at least one of the synthetic chemicals that exceeds new federal limits.
Biser urges environmental commission to hear PFAS rules
NCDEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser is urging the Environmental Management Commission to move forward this week with setting surface and groundwater standards for PFAS, a move the NC Chamber opposes.
Biden commits $3B to replace lead water pipes nationwide
President Joe Biden announced during an invite-only stop in Wilmington a $3 billion investment to replace lead pipes across the country.
EPA puts enforceable limits on PFAS in public water systems
The Environmental Protection Agency set nationwide maximum contaminant levels in public drinking water utilities for nearly a half-dozen per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
EPA overstepped its authority in PFAS order: Appeals court
The 5th Circuit vacated the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to stop a Texas-based firm from creating per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances as a byproduct of its plastic containers manufacturing process.
EPA steps in on Lear Corp. permit; DEQ adds time for input
The Environmental Protection Agency has informed North Carolina regulators it has invoked a 60-day extension to review the automotive textile and technology manufacturer’s draft permit to discharge compounds into the Northeast Cape Fear River.
Dirty birds prompt worry over shellfish safety, state staffing
It’s rare for bird droppings to cause shellfish illness, but officials say there is potential, and the state Division of Marine Fisheries has fewer than 60 officers along the entire coast to do federally required inspections and check deterrent effectiveness.
Administration unveils $3B plan for cleaner air near ports
EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced the new federal program’s launch Wednesday at the N.C. Port of Wilmington.
