DEQ-CFW_00000555

Ouestions and Answers about GenX
Statement from DEO Secretary Michael Regan:
DEQ is strongly encouraging Chemours, the company that produces the chemical for industrial processes at its
facility in Fayetteville, to identify any measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the discharges of the
chemical to the river until the state completes its investigation. DEQ is also pushing the Environmental
Protection Agency to provide regulatory guidance on GenX.
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Safety of drinking water statement:
Based on the best available environmental data from sampling in 2013 and 2014, the state Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS) determined there was a low health risk associated with exposure to
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the compound. As such, DEQ believes this is a low risk situation. However, we are collecting ourrent data
to analyze current conditions. We will study this data and make sound decisions based on that.
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What is GenX?
GenX refers to a process that generates a family of chemicals, including HFPO Dimer Acid. GenX is a
chemical that Chemours states has lower toxicity than previous products. ehemical that GenX is
manufactured in a process to phase out the use of PFOA and PFOS sometimes referred to as Cs8�-e
l 4arcinege4 These chemicals are 444s used to manufacture Teflon and Teflon -like broducts. These _
Y
- Commented [BC1]: This is misleading as the findings of
are -a synthetic resins used to coat nonstick surfaces, such asokar cookware, stain -resistant textiles and other
cancer are noted in HIGHLY exposed populations
products.
Commented [80]: Thesc go by many names do we
want to just point out Teflon?
Is GenX regulated under the wastewater permit issued to Chemours?
No. GenX is currently not regulated by the federal or state governments. Without a federal or state
standard, it cannot be regulated within Chemours' wastewater permit.
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Some news reports refere�ice "toxic tapwater." Is my w er safe to drink?
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Based on the best available data from sampling in 2013 d 2014, DHHS determined there was a low
health risk associated with exposure to the compound As such, DEQ believes this is a low risk situation.
However, we are collecting euffentadditional data to analyze current conditions.
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Do you recommend that we drink bottled water?
With the low health risk associated with the level of GenX in drinking water, it is not necessary to
consume bottled water. Note that bottled water comes from a variety of sources including public water
supplies. There is no regulatory requirement for P� to be routinely tested.
Commented [BC3]: It being genX or it being bottled
water? Bottle water is tested
How long has the state known that Chemours was discharging GenX?
A Chemours representative met with DEQ permitting staff in 2009 to discuss changes in processes at its
facility. The goal was to eliminate the use of a PFOA a compound noted to cause certain cancers in
highly exposed populations , and replace it with a lower toxicity compound called
HFPO Dimer Acid, a compound in the GenX process. Modeling provided by Chemours established
health risk much lower than the PFOAG4.
Why O1 't the state do something then?
GeyrX is urrently n e
fated by thgf e 1 or state gove Without a #edetal or state standard, it
cannot a regu d withi
Che s' waste tt.
When did the state learn about the NCSU GenX study?
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Dr. Detlef Knappe, professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at N.0 State
University, is one of the lead authors of the study that identify the presence of GenX. He shared the study
with DEQ staff in November-29d-'�2016. It is important to bear in mind the study focuses on an
unregulated, emerging contaminant for on which there is very little research. The study was produced in
conjunction with EPA and reflects the importance of emerging technologies, It is not unusual for
unregulated contaminants to come to light as analytical technology gets better at detecting them.
How are drinking water standards developed?
North Carolina has adopted federal standards for drinking water. EPA has conducted three rounds of
testing for its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, which looks at chemicals in drinking water
across the U.S. Data from the monitoring is helpful in developing rules as the number of occurrences and
health data indicate regulations are warranted. EPA uses several factors in its rulemaking, including
removal efficiencies and costs in the federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
What is meant by an "emerging contaminant" or compound?
EPA, under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), gathers data about select
unregulated contaminants to determine the prevalence and levels at drinking water facilities in the nation.
When combined with relevant health effect studies, the data is used to help EPA determine if regulation is
necessary, and if so, at what levels.
The web page for the overall program and monitoring data can be found at:
littps://wivw.epa.gov/dwucm
The data sets for UCMR3 are available for download of the EPA web page at:
https //www epa Rov/dwucmr/third-unregulated-contaminant-monitorina-rule
The list of contaminants which will be monitored next, in the UCMR4, can be viewed at:
https //www epa gov/dwucmr/fourth-wiregulated-contaminant-inonitoring-rule
Why didn't DEQ takes st to prevent GenX disc, jt ge?
As an unregulated -compound, ere are no state-df fed al drinking water-s and ds to restrict GenX in its
wastev aterpermit. However, th regulations for e m facfuiing manu actor �th'e chemical,
which are enforced by EPA.
Why can't DEQ shut down the plant?
DEQ cannot shut down a facility unless it poses an imminent health threat and/or violates terms of its
permit. Typically, DEQ uses injunctive relief when an imminent health threat is identified.
Why can't testing be done at EPA in RTP?
The EPA campus in RTP is not designed to produce analyses on a high volume basis They typically are
testing -A laboratory located in exe }ab in Colorado is
What is the state doing to 8adpithe discharge of the chemical?
DEQ is strongly encouraging Chemours to find ways to limit how much of the chemical is discharged. In
addition to sampling at the water supply intakes, our teams will be working with Chemours to analyze
samples at the point source, determine current levels and identify methods to reduce or eliminate
discharge.
- Commented [BC41: Are they certified by us? The method
would not be a "certifiable parameter" under our regs.
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How did DHHS come up with the temporary guidance on exposure?
Using information from a previous Outch study{, DHHS ran Tdeljkued on its_established protocol. T_he _ - Commented [UMS]: Can we cite the study here?
health risk evaluations addresses water consumption issues only
Commented [BC6]: Models? It's not a Dutch study —it's
a report compiled from data submitted by Chemours/Dupont
Can the state take action against the company or close the facility? - this was also sent to the US EPA
Without identification of imminent health threat, DEQ cannot seek injuctive relief against a company
operating within the bounds of its permit. Currently, Chemours is not in violation of any permit. The
chemical compound in question is unregulated and, therefore, not addressed in any permits held by the
facility. Additionally, the current health risk evaluation, based on 2013 and 2014 sampling data, indicates f-
a low risk situation. /1, a
DEQ is strongly encouraging Chemours to find ways to limit how much of the chemical is discharged. In
addition to sampling at the water supply intakes, our teams will be working with Chemours to analyze
samples at the point source, determine current levels and identify methods to reduce or eliminate
discharge.
How will the state evaluate the current safety of drinking water? Are other public water systems
�ffecte4?_______________________________________________________-- Commented [BC7]: This response doesn't seem to answer
DEQ is working with a qualified the one eei4ifiod lab in the U.S. that can Analyzetes4 for this compound at the question.
extremely low levels. Reports generated from three sets of samples conducted over a three-week period,
beginning on June 19, will define the status of potential toxicity levels. In addition, we are strongly
encouraging Chemours to minimize the amount of GenX released from the facility.
Will you add GenX into their the next Chemours wastewater permit?
The permit currently is up for renewal. DEQ will take a close look at all topics relevant to regulation.
Once the sampling is completed and results studied, DEQ staff will consider all options, including
monitoring or limiting discharge.
When will the state have test results?
The testing process has been expedited for fast turnaround. The first test results should be received about
four weeks after the lab receives the samples. Additional results from subsequent sampling will follow.
Multiple samples are essential to developing a comprehensive picture of conditions and to further
evaluate potential health impacts.
Do I need to worry about my groundwater?
Currently, we are not aware of groundwater impacts. However, we are planning to test the groundwater
public water supply source in Wrightsville Beach due to the proximity to the Aquifer Supply Recovery
well, which has received water from the public water supply system.
If health impacts are observed, who will be held responsible?
At the state level, we are evaluating all options to reduce and eliminate public health threats. We are
working with EPA to advocate for additional health studies to determine appropriate regulatory levels.
We are strongly encouraging the facility to reduce discharge at the plant site. All involved parties have a
responsibility to protect human health.
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