DEQ-CFW_00079773

From: Lucas, Jill K8 [/D=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGEADM|N|STRATVE GROUP
(FYD|BOHF2]SPDLT)/CN=REOP|ENTS/CN=71D7FC41OG]94[G0A5E554CCZ79COD72-JK8LUCAS]
Sent: 7/7/20I76:II:36PM
To: hrisbnmahnes@Xmaiicom
Subject: RE: Concerned Constituent - ILM water requests
Ms. Smith,
Your email to Secretary Regan was referred to me for reply. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is deeply
engaged in efforts to investigate the presence of GenX in the Cape Fear River to ensure that impacts of the unregulated
chemical are better understood.
You may be aware that Chemours, which is believed to be the primary source of the GenX in the Cape Fear, responded
on June 20 to requests from DEQ as well as local governments and concerned citizens by announcing that the company
is taking additional measures to capture, remove and safely dispose of wastewater that contains GenX at its Fayetteville
manufacturing plant. DEQ staff verified on June 27 that Chemours is preventing any of the unregulated chemical
compound from discharging into the Cape Fear River by capturing the wastewater in holding tanks and having it moved
out-of-state for incineration.
This is a good step, but DE[land the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services are continuing to investigate this
issue until we have answers to address the concerns of downstream water users.
Fresh data is essential for documenting current conditions and taking appropriate action. On June 19, DEQ began
collecting water samples from several sites along the Cape Fear River. Additional samples were collected throughout the
region last week and more are being taken this week. After meeting with DEQ staff, Chemours agreed to pay an
independent lab in Colorado to analyze water samples. The water samples DE[lcollects will also be analyzed by officials
at the Environmental Protection Agency's lab in the Research Triangle Park near Raleigh.
The results of both analyses will be made available to the public by DEQ and DHHS. Note that EPA is reviewing additional
data submitted by the company as part ofits risk assessment on GenX.
Given your family health concerns, you may find this DHHS press release of interest:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/­­press-releases/­­`nc-dhhs-releases-summary-selected-cancer-rates-counties-cape-fear-
region.
Additionally, DEQ launched a website last week to share information about GenX The page can be found at the
following address on DE{ysxvebdte: Since this is an evolving
matter, information will be updated as we learn more.
Best regards,
Jill Lucas
Jill Warren Lucas
Public Information Officer
North Carolina Department ofEnvironmental Quality
Division of Air Quality
Ofhce:919JO7.8446
Jill, Lucas (b) ncden1r.
Physical: 217West Jones Street
Mail: 1641 Mail Service Center

Begin forwarded message:
From: Kristin Smith <kristinniaritiesLa)gtiiail.com>
Date: July 33, 2017 at 11: 19:28 A-N/I EDT
To: <i-nichael.reganr& nedenr. gov>
Subject: Concerned Constituent - IL M water requests
MW
I am a native of ILM returning to the area after a decade away, and upon landing,
discovered that my town is being poisoned. My mother and family live in
Wilmington; I am making it my home again. My stepfather died of cancer and
was convinced it was the water, and this was five years ago.
I am beyond alarmed.
I am writing to request:
1) weekly water sampling of Wilmington's water for GenX pollutants (it's not just GenX
we are worried about);
2) sampling for aquatic life and soil and;
3) that the N PDES permit be modified to include specifications for these "GenX
pollutants" in the discharge.
And transparency in all communications with the public. This is a health crisis and I am
certain lawsuits will appear; please advocate for the people.
Kristin Smith
DEQ-CFW-00079774