DEQ-CFW_00049700

Questions and Answers about GenX
Statement from DEQ 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 GcnX.
Safety of drinking water statement:
Based on the best available 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 the
compound. As such, DEQ believes this is a low risk situation. However, we are collecting current data to
analyze current conditions. We will study this data and make sound decisions based on that.
What is GenX?
GenX refers to a process that generates a family of chemicals, including HFPO Dimer Acid. GenX is a
lower toxicity chemical that is manufactured in a process to phase out c8, a known carcinogen. It is used
to manufacture Teflon, a synthetic resin used to coat nonstick surfaces, such as cookware, stain -resistant
textiles and other products.
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.
Some news reports reference "toxic tapwater." 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. As such, DEQ believes this is a low risk situation.
However, we are collecting current data to analyze current conditions. We will study this data and make
sound decisions based on that.
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 it to be routinely tested.
How long has the state know 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 known carcinogen, C8, 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 C8.
Why didn't the state do something then?
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.
When did the state learn about the NCSU GenX study?
Dr. Detlef Knappe, professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at NC 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 2017. It is important to bear in mind the study focuses on an unregulated,
DEQ-CFW-00049700

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 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:
https://-vvww.epa.gov/dwucmr
The data sets for UCMR3 are available for download of the EPA web page at:
https://Nvww.epa.gov/dwucmr/third-unregulated-contaminant-moniton*ng-rule
The list of contaminants which will be monitored next, in the UCMR4, can be viewed at:
https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminai,it-monitoring-rule
Why didn't DEQ takes steps to prevent GenX discharge?
As an unregulated compound, there are no state or federal drinking water standards to restrict GenX in its
wastewater permit. However, there are regulations for the manufacturing manufacture of the 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 equipped for this type of testing. Only one lab in Colorado is certified to
test down the level necessary to identify the compound.
What is the state doing to stop the discharge of the chemical?
DEQ is strongly encouraging Cheniours 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 did DHHS come up with the temporary guidance on exposure?
Using information from a previous Dutch study, DHHS ran models based on its established protocol. The
health risk evaluations addresses water consumption issues only.
DEQ-CFW-00049701

Can the state take action againsttbecompanynrclosetbe
l�bhouLkiondfiouionofhnninonLhou]dhdhneaLl]G0ouunni000kjuctiverelief against acompany
operating within the bounds ofits ponnit. Currently, Chomouroionot inviolation ofany ponnit.The
chemical compound in question is unregulated and, therefore, not addressed in any permitsheld hvthe
facility. Additionally,the current health risk evaluation, based on20|2and 20|4 sampling data, indicates
a low risk situation.
DR0io strongly encouragingChomourotofind ways nolimit how much ofthe chemical iodischarged. Ln
addition to sampling a1the water supply intakes, our teams will bo working with Chemours to analyze
samples olthepoint source, determine current levels and identify methods toreduce cxeliminate
How will the state evaluate the current safety of drinking water? Are other public water systems
affected?
DB0imworking with the one certified lab in the U.S. that can test for this compound at extremely low
levels. Reports generated from three sets of samples conducted over a three-week period, beginning on
Juno |Y,v/iU define the status ofpotential toxicity levels. In addition, we are strongly encouraging
Chonuoumtominimize the amount ofGon]{released from the facility.
Will you add GenX into their the next Cbemmmrs wastewater permit?
The permit currently ioupfor renewal. DBOwill take uclose look u1all topicsrelevant toregulation.
Once the sampling is completedand results studied, DB0staff will consider all options, including
monitoring or limiting discharge.
When will the state have test results?
The testing has expedited Tho�o�Lcc� uubuoboukib�received ahno1
pr000mm uz�zp�uuo � r�
four weeks after the lab receives the samples. Additional results from subsequent sampling will follow.
Multiple oomup|oo are essential to developing uuomprohonoivu picture of conditions and to further
evaluate health impacts.
DwIneed tnworry about mmy ?
nxare not aware ofgroundwater impacts. However, nxare planning Votest the groundwater
public water supply source io Wrightsville Beach due tothe 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?
Atthe state level, neare evaluating all optionstoreduce and eliminate public health threats. Woare
working with EPA toadvocate for additional health studies todetermine appropriate regulatory levels.
Weare strongly encouraging the facility noreduce discharge atthe plant site. All involved parties have u