The Environmental Management Commission, when it meets this month, is to consider approving a public notice and hearing on proposed revisions to wastewater-discharge rules put in place to reduce fish kills, harmful algal blooms and other longstanding water quality problems in the Pamlico estuary.
PFAS
State sets temporary allowable PFAS limits in groundwater
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.
Clean Cape Fear founders to urge UN act on PFAS
A Wilmington-area community action group intends to “shine a spotlight on business-related human rights abuses associated with PFAS contamination in North Carolina” this week at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
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.
Update: PFAS groundwater rule OK’d for public comment
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission on Thursday unanimously waived the normal 30-day public notice, expediting the rulemaking process covering the compounds classified as likely carcinogens.
Groups petition EPA to revoke NC’s water permit authority
Advocacy groups are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to revoke the state’s authority to regulate water pollution through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program.
Federal court backs EPA’s GenX health advisory
Chemours vows to continue legal challenges against the regulatory agency; and while environmentalists view the ruling as a victory, some legal experts suggest an unpredictable regulatory landscape going forward.
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.
State awards $50M to water infrastructure projects on coast
Of the $253 million announced for projects across the state, $40 million is going to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority.
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.
Environmental Management Commission to meet July 10-11
Committee agendas include DEQ’s proposed groundwater and surface water standards for PFAS.
Governor proclaims June 3-7 PFAS Awareness Week
PFAS Awareness Week marks the seventh anniversary of the public learning about the presence of these chemicals that are linked to health effects in the Cape Fear River.
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.
Cooper sets $148M aside for environment in FY 25 budget
The Cooper administration has recommended more than $148 million go toward conservation and resiliency in his proposed fiscal 2025 budget released last week.