DEQ-CFW_00078321

From: Kritzer, Jamie [/D=[XCHANG[LAB5/OU=EXCHANGEADMINISTRATIVE GROUP
(FYD|BOHF2]SPDLT)/CN=REOP|ENTS/CN=C[E9]C49D01445A]B541B8327DCDCD4O-JBKR|TZ[R]
Sent: 6/15/I0I72:I7:59AM
Subject: Fw: DEQ, DHHS investigating reports of unregulated chemical in Cape Fear River
From: Jamie Kritzer <jamie.kritzer@ncdenc8ov>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14,JO174:1OPK4
To: Kritzer, Jamie
Subject: DEQ, DHHS investigating reports of unregulated chemical in Cape Fear River
Roy Cooper, Governor
Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: June 14, 2017
^^/^*irwnni en^�** ��
Quality
Contact: Jamie Kritzer; Chris Mackey
Phone: 9|9'7O?-86O2,9|9'855-484O
Michael S. Regan, Secretary
DEQ, DHHS investigatingreports ofunregulated chemical inCape Fear River
RkLEIG|0—The N.C.Department o[Environmental Quality imleading ustate investigation n:gurdin/orpodmo{au
unregulated chemical in the Cape Fear River.
DEQ staff, in consultation with state Department of Health and Human Services, are investigating the presence o[u compound
known uu[}cn}{ DE0ie [honxn/m,the company that producesthe chemical for industrial processes a(its
facility in ra�ocv/uo,to/uoou�yany measures that can be to reduce or eliminate oosono��so[dmohemical to the
river until the state completes its investigation. DEQ is also pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to provide regulatory
8u/duuonon Oou}C
.
State environmental regulators will collect water samples from the Cape Fear River and will send those (oo laboratory capable
of detecting Gex0{iuwater uilow concentrations. The laboratory has indicated that the materials the state iurequired (ouuoDor
the water collection and testing should arrive next week. DEQ staff are prepared to mobilize as soon as the sampling materials
arrive from the lab. After meeting with DEQ staff this week, Chemours agreed to bear all costs for the water collection and
testing. The laboratory, which is in Colorado, has indicated that the first test results will likely be available four weeks from
when the samples are received, but multiple rounds o[0o and 000hniun�lhnnecessary for ameaningful ovubuuikm/o{the
water quality.
"We are seeking answers and solutions ioa problem that has prompted understandable concern among citizens who live and
work in Wilmington and the lower Cape Fear region," said Michael Regan, secretary of the state Department ofEnvironmental
0oolit"'."We are taking ahard look adthe quality ofthe ro&kon`asource uI drinking water and all s we have holimit or
eliminate how much of this chemical makes its way to the river."
Mandy Cohen, the secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, said: "The department has a history of
close collaboration with DG0toprotect the health ofNorth Carolinians. Wuare working closely with DE0(nunderstand more
about GcnX and we will keep people informed as we get more information."
OEQ-CFVV_00078321

Staff at DHHS also have initiated daily conference calls with local health departments in the lower Cape Fear region to share
the latest information on this issue.
There are no U.S. regulatory guideline levels for GenX. However, based on available published research, the levels of GenX
that were detected in the Cape Fear River in 2013 -14 would have posed a minimal health risk. This is a relatively new chemical,
and the health effects are not fully understood at the current time.
"A sampling event from 2014 is the most recent data that shows GenX present in the Cape Fear, which makes obtaining new
data critical," Regan said.
More recent data will be available for analysis following the water sampling expected to get underway in the coming days.
Leadership in DEQ have reached out to staff with the Environmental Protection Agency seeking information about GenX.
The EPA, which is the lead agency responsible for establishing drinking water standards, is working to establish guidance on
unregulated compounds such as GenX that North Carolina and other states can use to develop potential regulations for the
chemical compound.
DEQ staff are pushing Chemours officials to limit the amount of GenX making its way into the river. A Chemours official told
state environmental regulators this week that the company is working to assess waste streams containing GenX and determine
whether the company can reduce the amount of GenX discharged to the river under current production levels.
DEQ and DHHS leadership plan to participate in a meeting in New Hanover County convened by local officials on Thursday to
establish the next steps in addressing this issue. Representatives from Chemours are expected to attend the Thursday meeting.
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DEQ-CFW-00078322