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.
PFAS
Proposed rule change would certify labs to test for PFAS
Public comment is open until April 30 on a proposed rule change that would allow the state to certify commercial, municipal or industrial laboratories to test for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and report that data back to the state.
New online tool shows likelihood of PFAS in tap water
A federal government agency has launched a new online tool that let’s users see which areas of the country have drinking water sources likely containing PFAS.
Exposure study evolves to measure PFAS’ long-term effects
Researcher Jane Hoppin, who is leading a study of North Carolina residents exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in their drinking water, says the ongoing work will help in understanding how these compounds affect human health over time.
New Hanover County sues PFAS product makers, vendors
More than a dozen chemical manufacturers and companies that sell products made with PFAS are included in a lawsuit New Hanover County filed in Superior Court last week.
Chemours directed to sample more private wells
More than 14,000 additional private water wells in a four-county area in southeastern North Carolina may qualify for PFAS testing.
EPA pulls plug on previously approved GenX imports
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reversed its approval for Chemours to import GenX into North Carolina.
State’s Native Americans at higher risk of preterm births
Native Americans in North Carolina face a disproportionately higher risk for preterm birth because of exposure to mixtures of toxic metals in their private drinking water wells, according to a recent study.
State on ‘aggressive’ timeline to meet PFAS water standards
North Carolina environmental regulators are expediting a plan to meet proposed federal limits on PFAS in drinking water and reduce related costs to consumers by addressing upstream discharges.
PFAS, offshore wind, resilience focus of Nov. 6 forum
“Priority Issues in Coastal North Carolina” is a full-day discussion with coastal experts, professionals and officials at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science in Wilmington.
EMC to consider stormwater programs, hear PFAS updates
The Environmental Management Commission committees are to meet Nov. 8 and the full commission Nov. 9, both days in Raleigh and available online.
New state funding may ease DEQ staff vacancies challenges
The recently approved budget includes new raises for North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality staff as well as fee increases for agency permits.
Utility chief meets with science board on PFAS request
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director met this week with state science advisers to discuss adding a persistent compound to the state’s priority per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances list.
Science Advisory Board to hear update on PFAS toxicity
The Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board is to hear an overview on a toxicity assessment for a specific PFAS and its presence in the state.
Environmental Stewardship Initiative conference set
The Department of Environmental Quality’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative conference offers educational sessions on timely environmental topics, a chance to share best practices, and networking events.
Saltwater fish may be in future Cape Fear health advisories
Results of saltwater fish tissue currently being analyzed for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, are expected later this year, wrapping up a study of multiple species of fish collected from the Cape Fear River.
