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2.Sunmnmary of EPA report
° You may remember that as we have been saying since our investigation began, we wanted
to better understand information about the other compounds identified in the 2016 study
from EPA and NI. State University (known asthe Knappereport for one ofits lead authors
Det|efKnappe).
° AtDE{Xsrequest, the EPA agreed tuconduct ananalysis ufother compounds identified in
the JOl6report.
° We met with EPA Monday to learn about their preliminary report on five other compounds
in the Cape Fear River.
~ The preliminary report is on five compounds that had the highest peaks, implying possibly
higher concentrations. The samples EPA used are from the Chemours outfall and Sweeney
water plant treated water only. Their analysis covered weeks 1'6.
~ VVeanticipate EPA releasing the report perhaps asearly astoday. As soon as EPA transmits
the report, we will post it on the GenX webpage. The complete report on all remaining
compounds in the Knappe report will take several weeks and maybe even several months.
2.How compounds inEPA'sreport compare tmGenX
° EPA used a high -resolution mass spectrometer for its analysis in this report.
~ EPA has established a lab test standard for GenX, which allows for high precision and
accuracy when measuring concentrations of6enX.
° The accuracy of the laboratory analysis for the five chemicals included in the EPA's
preliminary results is more uncertain than those available for GenX because calibration
standards for these chemicals are not commercially available. EPA is using new non -targeted
screening methods to develop concentration estimates for these five chemicals. With non -
targeted screening, researchers are able totest for and identify chemicals present, rather
than testing to see if particular chemical is present. This is different from the more
commonly known targeted screening, which is when researchers identify what they are
looking for inthe water and then test for those specific things.
3.Trends inE9A'sreport
° The three compounds also identified inDr. Knappe's2U16study showed a marked decline
similar to GenX. Based on that downward trend, it's likely those compounds are in the same
wastewater stream asGenX.
° The EPA also elected to analyze two other compounds that were not part of Knappe report.
The EPA referred to these compounds as Nafion byproducts. The EPA believes they are likely
associated with the Nafion manufacturing line atthe [hemoursplant.
° The EPA chose to analyze the water samples for the Nafion byproducts based on a separate
prior study bythe federal agency.
° The EPA conducted the analysis using new technology and methodology and looked at
water samples collected byDE[lover asix-week period starting June l9.
° EPA scientists told the state that estimated concentrations for the two compounds they are
calling Nafion byproducts I and 2 waste stream did not decrease over the six -week period of
their analysis.
~ DE[\has urged [hemours to stop discharging wastewater from the Nafion manufacturing
process.
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Sciences have reviewed all available sources for toxicology studies or other health
information about the five compounds inthe EPA report.
° This includes review ofpublished literature, toxicology databases from EPA, CDC and N|H,
and the European Chemical Agency. These searches identified no data about possible health
effects ofthese compounds indrinking water.
° After speaking with the EPA, our understanding is that there are no health studies
conducted as part of a TSCA consent agreement for these five compounds, unlike GenX.
° Based onthis review, vvedon't have enough scientific information about these compounds
to know if the levels reported by the EPA are a risk to human health or to establish a health
goal. GenX is the only one of these emerging perfluorinated compounds for which we have
enough information tomake ahealth statement atthis time.
° We know this lack ofhealth information is frustrating. DHHS isworking with the EPA, [DC
and other scientists to get more information about these compounds as quickly as possible.
S.Stance mndrinking water
~ The new results from EPA do not change our recommendations about water use. Levels of
GenX have been decreasing and are below the health goal established by DHHS. Based on
these results and results of routine testing for other contaminants, for which we do have
health information, our current recommendation is that people can continue to drink the
water.
° We do recognize that there are concerns about other compounds for which health effects
are unknown and vveare working with the EPA, CDC and other scientists to understand the
possible health effects as quickly as possible.
° It's important to recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation and our current
recommendations could change ifnew information becomes available.
° Federal agencies and academic partners understand the need to get health information
rapidly, and there are several ongoing activities that could provide new insights.
° Our goal is to provide the best information available in a timely manner so people can make
decisions for themselves and their families.
6. Actions taken (or going to be taken) by the state
0 DHHS continues to work with EPA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other
federal agencies to get any health information from them as quickly as possible.
° After seeing EPA's presentation on Monday and noting the lack of a downward trend for the
Nafiun byproducts, DE{lhas urged [hemoursto stop discharging wastewater from the
Nafion manufacturing process.
° DEQ also repeated its call for Chemours to provide the state agency with a complete
inventory, sampling data and test results for all chemicals included in the company's waste
stream.
° We must stress, however, that there is little health information available on any ofthe five
perfluorinated compounds the EPA analyzed. Unlike GenX, there is not even sufficient
enough health information todevelop ahealth goal.
° So the actions the state took this week were taken out of an abundance of caution.
~ Until we know more about the health effects of these byproducts, the company needs to
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° EPA recognizes limited health data is an issue — they are looking at a variety of a new
approaches that could possibly allow them to make health statements.
° VVeare going tobetransparent and share information asvvereceive it.
° Many other states are dealing with PFAScha||enges Alabama, Alaska, New Hampshire, New
York and Michigan have contacted the EPA's Office of Research and Development for help.
~ We will continue totake water quality samples -- the extent will be determined at later
date.
° VVewill continue weekly calls and will schedule more frequent calls auneeded.
~ As we indicated in yesterday's call, we are also awaiting groundwater testing results from
the monitoring wells atthe [hemoursfacility.
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