DEQ-CFW_00001424

C8 Interim Standard
Subject: C8 Interim Standard
From: [e-mail]
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 22:28:17 -0500
To: [e-mail]
CC: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Dear Mr. Klimek,
As both a resident of North Carolina and an environmentalist, I urge you to
reconsider the interim standard the Div. of Water Quality has set for C8. I
find the level of 2.0 ppb unjustifiably high for several reasons:
- it essentially relieves DuPont from any responsibility to clean up its
facility and the surrounding area
- it is four times weaker than the standard set in West Virginia
- it jeopardizes the health of the communities around the DuPont facility
Decision -makers in WV set a precedent (albeit a weak one) with a 0.5 ppb
standard - North Carolina must do at least this much and should be proactive
and set an even lower standard. Fayetteville is the only place where this
dangerous substance is made and we have a responsibility to set the bar when it
comes to people's safety regarding C8. Furthermore, DuPont has already been
taken to court and lost over C8 groundwater contamination in several other
states. We have every right to force them to not only repair the damage
they've done but to also make sure that C8 levels remain absolutely minimized
in the future. Clearly if a limit of 0.5 ppb is feasible in WV, then we in
North Carolina can make DuPont do at least this much. Finally, we owe it to
the citizens who live in contaminated areas to make DuPont "walk the line." C8
levels in their blood have been found to be extremely high and science has shown
that this is a dangerous toxin, one that does not easily degrade. Tests have
shown that C8 is capable of causing development, neurologic, immune, and
reproductive problems. Everyone in North Carolina has the right to clean, safe
drinking water and by setting such a weak standard you are allowing DuPont to
violate this right. Again, I urge you to consider a standard at least as
strong as 0.5 ppb.
Thank you.
Jill Logeman
Masters of Environmental Management Candidate
Nicholas School of the Environment & Earth Studies
Duke University
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DEQ-CFW 00001424