A recent study that showed fish favored by subsistence fishers along the Brunswick and Cape Fear rivers were found to have elevated levels of arsenic, hexavalent chromium and mercury has prompted a state health advisory.
Public Health
EPA to list PFAS as hazardous as part of new approach
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced Monday a three-year approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances pollution.
New variants now better detected in wastewater sampling
Researchers with a newly expanded program that analyzes samples from municipal sewage treatment facilities in North Carolina are working with a company to quickly develop tests for the latest COVID-19 variants as they emerge around the world.
PFAS Prevalence, Effects Clearer: Report
Researchers say concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water from the lower Cape Fear region “considerably higher” than levels nationwide.
Eat More Seafood: Latest Federal Guidelines
Americans should consume more seafood, less beef and pork, according to the latest federal dietary guide, and the change could also be good for coastal communities.
EPA Denies Petition to Address PFAS
The Environmental Protection Agency denied a petition from six eastern N.C. community groups to require Chemours Co. to test 54 PFAS produced at its Fayetteville Works facility.
Decision Ends Chapter In Hog Farm Disputes
Smithfield Foods has resolved more than a dozen nuisance cases filed by eastern North Carolina residents since a court ruling in favor of the neighbors of a former Bladen County hog farm was upheld last month.
PFAS Levels Still High Despite Emission Cuts
Levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water from the Cape Fear River are as high as they were before the state and Chemours entered into a consent order in February 2019.
GenX Study Shows Harm to Mice, Offspring
Studies discussed Monday during the North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board meeting compared the toxicity of GenX and related compounds in pregnant mice and their embryos.
State Seeks Input on Chemours’ Next Steps
The state is taking comments until Sept. 17 on the latest steps to prevent GenX and other PFAS pollution from entering the Cape Fear River through contaminated groundwater from the Chemours’ Fayetteville Works Site.
PFAS Highest in Cape Fear’s Raw Water: Study
A preliminary study found that the state’s highest levels of forever chemicals, known as PFAS, have been found in Cape Fear River’s raw water supply.
A Changed Season On the Outer Banks
With vacation season in apparent full swing on the Outer Banks amid the pandemic, shops, restaurants and tourism sites are busy but business is different.
Research Suggests PFAS-Coronavirus Link
Studies say people with high levels of PFAS in their systems could be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.
New Hanover Regional Panel Weighs Options
Three hospital systems vying to partner with New Hanover Regional Medical Center presented their proposals to a committee last week, with options ranging from an outright sale to a long-term lease.
How To Stay Healthy At Beach This Weekend
Records crowds are expected at North Carolina beaches this holiday weekend, and health experts offer suggestions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus for those ready to put their toes in the sand.
Amid Hardship, Lockdown Curbs Energy Use
Coastal electric cooperatives have taken measures to help members keep their lights on during the stay-at-home order, which researchers say has reduced emissions and improved air quality.
