DEQ-CFW_00079042

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, in consultation with the N.C. Department of Health and
Human Services, is leading a state investigation into reports of an unregulated chemical known as GenX
in the lower Cape Fear River.
As part of the probe, DEQ strongly encouraged Chemours, the company that produces the chemical at its
facility in Fayetteville, to identify any measures it could take to reduce or eliminate discharge of the
chemical into the river.
Chemours responded to requests from state and local officials and residents by announcing that the
company will capture, remove and safely dispose of wastewater that contains the byproduct GenX.
This is a good first step, but DEQ and DHIJS are continuing to investigate the levels of GenX in the lower
Cape Fear region and develop the best available information on potential health risks associated with the
chemical.
Water Testing Underway
This week, DEQ began collecting water samples from 12 sites along the Cape Fear River. Additional
samples will be collected throughout the region during the next two weeks.
After meeting with DEQ staff, Chemours agreed to pay for the sampling and analysis. The analysis of
water samples will be conducted by two independent laboratories, a certified facility in Colorado and a
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency laboratory in the Research Triangle Park near Raleigh. The
sample results will be released when available.
EPA to Provide Guidance on Health Risks
Test results from water samples will be used to analyze drinking water safety. The EPA is developing an
updated health screening level for GenX to help with this process. DHHS is reviewing all available health
data and working with the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control to get their guidance about health
risks of GenX.
DEQ is also pushing the EPA to provide regulatory guidance on GenX and work with the state during its
investigation of GenX in the Cape Fear River.
DEQ-CFW-00079042