DEQ-CFW_00022475

Michael S. Regan, Secretary
Release: FdMEDIATE Contact: Jamie Kritzer
Date: July 12, 2017 Phone: [phone]
Science panel to advise state on performance standards and other environmental issues
RALEIG — DEQ Secretary Michael Regan is directing a state panel to provide science -based guidance that can be used
to address emerging environmental health issues such as hexavalent chromium.
Regan is expanding the scope of the Secretary's Science Advisory Board on Toxic Air Pollutants to advise the agency and
the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, or EMC, on any appropriate revisions to existing water
quality standards.
The first issue the panel will be directed to tackle are the performance standards issued for the water filtration systems to be
installed in eligible homes near Duke Energy's 14 coal ash facilities. Recently, DEQ issued performance standards for
hexavalent chromium and other coal ash -related constituents based on what is required by state groundwater regulations
and the Coal Ash Management Act. The utility has until October 2018 to install the filtration systems.
`We recognize the widespread community interest and concerns about these performance standards," Regan said. "DEQ
remains committed to a thorough evaluation of hexavalent chromium data and will work with the Science Advisory Board,
the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Management Commission to execute any
appropriate changes to these standards.
"Our goal is to ensure that every family in North Carolina has access to safe, clean drinking water."
The science panel is made up of experts in toxicology, epidemiology and other public health disciplines. Several people are
already serving on the panel. Regan soon will appoint new members based on their scientific expertise. The panel can make
recommendations for any appropriate changes to water quality regulations to the EMC, which has the authority to adopt
new standards. Staff from DEQ and DHHS will provide support to the panel as they deliberate on these issues. This science
panel will conduct business in an open forum to allow for public input as they are considering the latest research and will
offer much -needed peer review of available scientific data. The panel will continue to address other environmental
concerns.
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DEQ-CFW 00022475