DEQ-CFW_00052894

Michael S,8cgmo,Secretary N-Tandy K,Cohcu' Secretary
N.C.Department cif Environmental Quality N.C. DepartnientwfHealth and Human8erviccs
State releases first water quality data, health information for GenX in Cape Fear Rimer
Data shows treated water below new health screening levels for GenX
RALEIGH — State officials today released their first results of water quality samples for concentrations of
the unregulated compound GenXinthe Cape Fear River. These first
state public health officials to ONCLUsion.
The findings reflect water quality data from samples collected at 12 sites in the Fayetteville and
Wilmington areas between June 19 and June 29. Results show higher concentrations near the point
where Chemouc/ Fayetteville manufacturing facility was discharging the unregulated compound into
the Cape Fear River, with much lower figures observed at the public water supply systems near the
facility and 70mi|es downstream inthe Wilmington area.
State public health officials with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, conducted a
health risk analysis for consumers ofthe water and FOUND xxxx. Concentrations ofGenXrepresented a
significant decrease the farther away results were collected from Chemours' facility.
Lower second week values reflect reduced exposure to GenX when, at the urging of state and local
officials as well as concerned citizens, Chemours on June 21 began diverting wastewater containing the
contaminant into storage tanks to be shipped out of state for incineration.
Samples were analyzed at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Research Triangle Park and
at Test America, a lab in Colorado under contract to Chemours. The June 29 data from the EPA's lab and
Test America's lab in Colorado show that the most recent results of treated water in all but one facility
were within the DHHS' health risk goal of 147 parts per trillion.

For example, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority's treated water results were 110 parts per trillion
(Test America samples) and 100 parts per trillion (EPA samples). Other test results for treated water are
as follows: Northwest Brunswick Water Treatment Plant: 51 parts per trillion (Test America) and 52
parts per trillion (EPA); Wrightsville Beach Well No. 11: 24 parts per trillion (Test America) and 28 parts
per trillion (EPA); B|aden Bluffs treated water: 76 (Test America) and results were not available for EPA;
International Paper treated: 140 parts per trillion (Test America) and 111 parts per trillion (EPA).
Treated water from Pender County 421 Water Treatment Plant had the only value above DHHS' health
risk goal, as Test America lab results showed GenXat 160 parts per trillion (Test America). However,
EPA's lab results for samples taken at that same time were 112 parts per trillion (EPA).
Results from all 12 test sites for the first two weeks of water sampling can be found on the N.C.
Department of Environmental Quality's GenX website: https:Hdeq.nc.gov/news/hot-topics/genx-
invesigation/oenx-samp|in8'hes.
State officials caution against comparing raw and finished drinking water values from same -day
samples, as water that had completed a treatment cycle would have started the process with an earlier,
and potentially different, exposure to GenX.
While little is known about GenX, these data indicate that the preliminary DHHS assessment of a low
public health risk remains accurate. Toda\/udecision was based onconsultation with EPA and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ongoing discussions will apply guidance from leading
federal researchers of emerging contaminants to help state officials provide the public with the best
information available onpotential health risks posed byGenX.
Some local utilities and governments also are conducting independent water sampling. Since the
protocols in place for these samplings and related analysis may not be consistent with the DEQ
practices, they are not being factored into the state's health risk assessment.
The results of more recent water samples collected in the [ape Fear will be released after DBQand
DHHS officials have validated the data and conducted a health risk assessment. Officials have been
collecting water samples at multiple locations in the Fayetteville and Wilmington areas each week since
June 19 and will continue sampling until at least late July. DEQ officials have extended the state's
sampling regimen from three -to -six weeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of GenX
concentrations inthe lower Cape Fear River.

For the state process, DEQ staff collect water samples and provide them to TestAmerica and the EPA
lab. Staff at each lab test samples for the presence of GenX, then send reports to DEQ for quality
assurance review to ensure accuracy. These vetted results are then provided to DHHS, which performs
a health risk analysis.
State officials have developed frequently asked questions about the health information related to
GenX. It can be found at:
DEQ-CFW 00052896