DEQ-CFW_00024775

Carolina's drinking water i
RALEIGH —The heads of the state departments of Health and Human Services and Environmental
Quality have responded to an inquiry from members of the N.C. Senate and outlined the department's
critical funding needs to help protect water quality for North Carolinians.
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen and Department of Environmental
Quality Secretary Michael Regan responded Monday to the Aug. 9 letter from seven members of the
state senate.
Cohen and Regan outlined their departments' need for anemergency appropriation tofund more
scientists, medical experts, engineers and inspectors and for long-term testing to monitor for the
presence of GenX and other emerging chemical compounds in the Cape Fear River and other inland
waterways that are drinking water sources.
"We are ready toengage iuu productive dialogue about thesetopics and are available tomeet iuperson Lo
share more inbonnotionwith you about our request for expedited funding and peroonnoi" Cohen and
Reoom`o letter states. "We are glad you an: reviewingthe effect oflegislative budget cuts, both past and
The large scope and pressing nature of the presence of these compounds in the Cape Fear River requires
a larger response than the departments have resources to provide while continuing to meet the day-to-
day operational requirements, the letter adds.
Since 2013, DEQ has seen approximately 70 positions eliminated that once supported the permitting,
compliance and enforcement programs. The additional appropriation would allow DEQ to fund positions
tohelp protect water quality and cover the expense oftests monitoring the presence ofemerging
contaminants inwaterways statewide. These funds would also a||ovv DHH5to create aWater Health and
Safety Unit to enhance the state's understanding of and response to unregulated compounds, and to
help protect families' drinking water.
More details are available in the attached letter.
M.