Fayetteville Today

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is contemplating a review of its October decision permitting the import of waste containing GenX chemicals from the Netherlands to a Chemours facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina. GenX belongs to the category of manmade compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This review comes amid concerns about the environmental and health impacts associated with these chemicals.

This situation has drawn attention from local government officials. On November 3, Governor Cooper penned a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, urging the EPA strongly to reconsider its decision permitting the import of waste material containing GenX to the Chemours facility in North Carolina, according to a press release by Governor Cooper. "North Carolina has been a leader in addressing PFAS issues for the past seven years, tirelessly working to mitigate the health risks posed by these chemicals," stated Gov. Cooper. "It is unacceptable for North Carolinians to bear the risks associated with importing millions of pounds of GenX from other countries for disposal in our air, land, and water. Under the Biden Administration, the EPA has been a crucial partner in our efforts to learn more about these chemicals and protect the health of our communities, and we will continue to encourage them to take action." The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has directly communicated its concerns and objections to the EPA regarding the decision to permit Chemours to import 4,400,000 pounds of PFAS-containing material over the next 12 months from the Netherlands to Chemours Fayetteville Works Facility.

The stance taken by Governor Cooper reflects wider state efforts against PFAS pollution. Under the Biden administration, the EPA has collaborated closely with states to establish health standards, enhance scientific research, and develop a regulatory framework to identify contamination and health risks associated with persistent chemicals, according to a press release by Governor Cooper. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has explicitly stated that permitting the import of these materials does not align with the goals outlined in the EPA’s Strategic Roadmap for PFAS or with the state’s ongoing efforts to address contamination in the Cape Fear River and surrounding communities. The DEQ remains committed to the ongoing reduction and remediation of GenX and related compounds in North Carolina and the Cape Fear River basin. The DEQ is exploring various options to ensure the protection of public health and continual reduction of PFAS in the environment. The department continues to oversee Chemours' actions and endeavors to ensure company's compliance with stringent limits specified in all permits and provisions of Consent Order related to GenX remediation.

This situation also highlights concerns about GenX's widespread usage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering a reassessment of its October resolution permitting the import of waste containing GenX chemicals from the Netherlands to a Chemours facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina, according to an article by Waste Today Magazine. GenX, a member of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) category, is among a group of synthetic compounds. PFAS, not naturally occurring in environment, find widespread application in various commercial products, including food packaging, nonstick coatings, firefighting foam as outlined by North Carolina Department of Health Human Services. According to statement from EPA addressing decision "EPA takes these concerns seriously will review notices that company has provided ensure public remains safe. EPA been informed that no shipments have taken place 2023 none currently en route Netherlands North Carolina."