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.
PFAS
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.
Toxic Cape Fear fish on science board’s Aug. 2 agenda
Information on a recent advisory by the state to avoid eating fish contaminated with forever chemicals from the Cape Fear River is on the agenda for the Aug. 2 Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board’s meeting.
Coastal water, wastewater projects selected for funding
A total of $223 million in water and wastewater infrastructure funding is being awarded to 60 projects in 40 counties.
NC river toxins threaten subsistence fishing, tribal practices
An advisory alerting people to PFAS contamination in certain fish species that inhabit the middle and lower Cape Fear River basin brings more bad news for people living in the region.
Commission committees to hear PFAS rulemaking updates
Two Environmental Management Commission committees will hear overviews this week on PFAS rulemaking and monitoring.
Chemours completes barrier wall well after deadlines
After missing two deadlines, Chemours’ plant manager notified state officials June 11 that construction of the mile-long underground barrier was complete.
Navy, Marine Corps seek to sample wells near Bogue Field
The Navy and Marine Corps are asking to sample drinking water wells for PFAS around Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue.
House bill’s possible effects on water quality sparks concern
Critics warn that House Bill 600 threatens to chip away at some protections provided by the Clean Water Act.
