DEQ-CFW_00078341

From: Smith, Donny E[}onny.Smhh@charteccom]
Sent: 6/I5/20172:47:14PN1
To: Kritzer, Jamie [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=ExchangeAdministrative Group
(FYD|BOHFI]3PDLT)/cn=Kecipients/cn=cee93c49dO1445a]b54Ibb]I7dcdc84O-jbkhtzed
CC: DLKa|-NewsI4-RALDesk[DL-Ka|[e-mail]]
Subject: Question
Would it be possible to tag along with the state environment regulators when they begin taking samples of the Cape
Fear River, mentioned in the release from you below? We have been working this story from Fayetteville to Wilmington,
and would appreciate any opportunity for video of the sample collection. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Michael S. Regan, Secretary
Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Jamie Kritzer; Chris Mackey
DEQ, D0UH8 invcstigatingrupodmofunrcVukutcdchunduu|inCupc FcurRhcr
RAJL0DG|0—The NI.Department o[Environmental Quality ioleading ostate investigation ozAordingropodoofon
unregulated chemical in the Cape Fear River.
DEQ staff, in consultation with state Department of Health and Human Services, are investigating the presence o[o compound
known osGen}{ DB0ix Cbonuoum,the company Ub� mthe cboo/�ulkoiuduubbdprocesses u(ds
�c��� � �&� bo&�o m�d�o �m�u�&o�oh o[&o�om���the
~ ru�ourv/u�, /uouu/�ao�ouoamum�� �oo zu�ou or discharges
river until the state completes its investigation. DE[)iealso pushing the Environmental Protection Agency iuprovide regulatory
guidance on Gon)<
.
State environmental regulators will collect water samples
of detectinR GcnX in water at low concentrations. The laboratory has indicated that the materials the state is
the water collection and testing should arrive next week. DG0staff are prepared tomobilize ossoon asthe sampling materials
arrive from the lab. After meeting with DB0staff this week, Cboouour agreed (obear 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 uItesting and analysis will bonecessary for ameaningful cvulumbonoftho
water quality.
"We are seeking answers and solutions boa 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
Quality. "We are taking uhard look aithe quality o[the rogkm/`usource o{ drinking water and all xwobuveiolio/itor
OEQ-CFVV_00078341

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 DEQ to protect the health of North Carolinians. We are working closely with DEQ to understand more
about GenX and we will keep people informed as we get more information."
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.
'Please make note that our Assignment Desk/newsroom email address has changed to [e-mail]
Charter
Donny Smith I Senior Assignment Editor 1919,882,4040
SPECTRUM NEWS - Raleigh
2505 Atlantic Ave. Ste.. 102 1 Raleigh, NC 27604
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