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Questions for the state
Safety of drinking water statement:
Based on the best available data from sampling in 2013 and 2014, DHHS determined there was a low
health risk associated with exposure to the compound. Based on DHHS evaluation, we believe this is a
low risk situation, but we want current data. Want to understand the data and make sound decisions based
on that.
What is Gen X? � o
Lower toxicity chemical that's being manufactured in process to phasing out a more toxic substance.
Used to manufacture Teflon
Is my water safe to drink?
Based on the best available data from sampling in 2013 and 2014, DHHS determined there was a low
health risk associated with exposure to the compound. Based on DHHS evaluation, we believe this is a
low risk situation, but we want current data. Want to understand the data and make sound decisions based
on that.
Do you recommend that we drink bottled water?
Bottled water comes from a variety of sources including public water supplies. There is no regulatory
requirement for it to be routinely tested.
What would you recommend I do?
If you're asking if I would drink the water? I would drink the water.
How long did the state know it was being discharged?
We knew this was being discharged when the company said they were switching to the Gen X process in
2tt2. `30A.
Why didn't you do something to prevent this?
There are no state or federal drinking water standards to include in the wastewater permit.
Why can't we shut the plant down?
Referencing the assessment provided by DHHS, and referencing 2013 2014 sampling, the discharge from
Chemours poses a minimal health risk. Would need to be an imminent health threat to shut down the
facility. Typically, we use injunctive relief when we have imminent health threats. Taking a hard look and
pushing the company to find ways to limit how much of this chemical makes its way to the river.
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What can be done to remove Gen X from the water? �•F t � �• 1 1,' +L
Exploring several options to see what technologie e available to remove to compound from the water.
Doing an expedited analysis. nou
�ofWhy can't testing be done at EPA? The EPA is nipped to handle testing. Only one lab in Colorado
can test down the level necessary to seethe compounds �4- luti l-fvcirr
What is the state doing to stop the discharge of the chemical?
We are pushing to company to find ways to limit how much of the chemical makes its way to the water.
In addition to sampling at the water supply intakes, our teams will be working with Chemours to analyze
samples at the point source, determine levels and find ways for elimination.
How long has the state known about the GEnX study?
Dr. Knappe, one of the lead authors, shared the study with DEQ staff late last year. It is important to bear
in mind the study focuses on an unregulated emerging contaminant for which there is very little research
on.
Why didn't the state do something then?
Study done is conjunction with EPA. Clearly shows this is emerging technology. There is a variety of
unregulated contaminants that come to light as technology gets better at detecting them.
Is GEnX reg under the company's wastewater permit?
Gen X is currently not regulated by the federal or state governments. Without a federal or state standard,
it's not regulated within Chemours' wastewater permit. Ex0 6,,
Did the state know Chemours was discharging GenX? How long?
Were aware of process change from C8 to Gen X which is going to a lower toxicity profile.
In 2009, rep of the company met with our permitting staff to discuss changes in processes at their facility.
The goal was to eliminate the use of a known carcinogen, C8, and replace it with a compound called
HFPO Dimer Acid, a compound in the GenX process. Modeling provided by the company established
health risk much lower than C8.
How did DHHS come up with the temporary guidance on exposure?
DHHS Using information from a previous Dutch study, DHHS ran models based on their established
protocol.
Potential enforcement action? Punishment? Does the state plan to take enforcement action against
the company for this chemical? Why aren't you shutting the plant down?
We have sought injunctive relief for imminent health threats. Right now, the company is not in violation
of any permit. The chemical in question is unregulated and therefore, not addressed in any permits held
by the facility. At the same time the current health risk evaluation based on the sampling data has
indicated thy( e is a low risk situation.
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We are pushing to company to find ways to limit how much of the chemical makes its way to
In addition to sampling at the water supply intakes, our teams will be working with Chemours tc,
samples at the point source, determine levels and find ways for elimination.
When are we going to get answers about our drinking water?
There's one certified lab in the US that can test for this compound at extremely low levels. We will
evaluate results based on toxicology.
a
We expect to receive sampling supplies form the company this week, or early next week and our staff is
prepared to mobilize as soon as we have that equipment. We've developed a sampling plan that will
include testing water at: four intakes, the five water treatment plants (CFPUA, Pender County, Brunswick
County, International Paper, and Smithfield Packing) finished water, the CFPUA ASR well and one
Wrightsville Beach Well.
What is the state doing now?
We will sample once per week to coincide with Chemours' samples;at the four intakes, the five water
treatment plants (CFPUA, Pender County, Brunswick County, International Paper, and Smithfield
Packing) finished water, the CFPUA ASR well and one Wrightsville Beach Well. There would be three
sets of samples over a three-week period. In addition, we are pushing Chemours to minimize the amount
of the material released from the facility.
Will you add Gen X into their next WW permit?
The permit is currently up for renewal, we will be taking a closer look at changes in terms of regulation.
Once the sampling is completed, DEQ staff will take a look at all options, including monitoring or
limiting discharge.
Are other public water supply systems being impacted?
Sampling will occur at four intakes, the five water treatment plants (CFPUA, Pender County, Brunswick
County, International Paper, and Smithfield Packing) finished water, the CFPUA ASR well and one
Wrightsville Beach Well. There would be three sets of samples over a three-week period.
How is Gen X regulated?
While it's an unregulated contaminant in drinking water, however there are regulations for the
manufacturing of the chemical, which are enforced by EPA.
Gen X refers to a process that generates a family of chemicals, including the compound cited in the
recently released study. (BFPO Dimer Acid).
When will the state have test results?
The first test results should be in within a few weeks after they receive the samples. This is an expedited
timeframe, but we need multiple samples to look at the comprehensive picture to further evaluate health
impacts.
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Do I need to worry about my groundwater?
Currently we are not aware of groundwater impacts.
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 we start seeing health impacts 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 pushing the facility to reduce emissions at the plant site. I think that all of us in this room have a
responsibility to protect human health. We each have a role to play.
How are drinking water standards developed?
Related to this topic, EPA has conducted three rounds of testing for its Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Rule, which looks at chemicals in drinking water across the US. Data from the monitoring is
helpful in developing rules as the number of occurrences and health data indicate regulations are
warranted. There are a number of factors EPA uses in their rulemaking including removal efficiencies
and costs in the federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). North Carolina has adopted these federal
standards for drinking water in this state.
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