In 2017, Wilmington’s StarNews uncovered a shocking truth: the Cape Fear River, which supplies drinking water to around 350,000 people, was tainted by toxic chemicals known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The contamination had been happening for decades, courtesy of DuPont and its spin-off company Chemours, which dumped these harmful compounds into the river. … Read more
Bottled water has long been perceived as a safer and more convenient option for hydration. Popular brands like Evian, Fiji, and Dasani dominate the shelves, offering what many consumers believe to be a cleaner alternative to tap water. However, recent findings from a Columbia University study challenge this perception, revealing a shocking amount of nanoplastics … Read more
Several North Carolina environmental organizations are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) authority over water permitting. Citing political interference and chronic underfunding, these groups argue that DEQ has been rendered ineffective in safeguarding the state’s water quality. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) filed … Read more
Recent research reveals the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in various drinking water sources across the San Francisco Bay Area. The study, published in PLOS Water, found that bottled water, tap water, and treated tap water all contained trihalomethanes (THMs), a group of harmful chemicals formed during water disinfection processes. Widespread Issue Beyond the Bay Area … Read more
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently took a significant step by issuing an emergency suspension on a widely used weedkiller, dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, commonly known as DCPA or Dacthal. This move marks the first time in nearly four decades that the agency has taken such decisive action to address the dangers posed by a … Read more
A recent report by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has raised concerns over the safety of fluoride levels in drinking water. The report suggests that fluoride concentrations above twice the recommended limit might be linked to lower IQ in children. This conclusion, based on an extensive review of previously published studies, marks a significant … Read more
A recent ruling by a Washington, D.C., judge mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must enhance the transparency of information regarding chemicals under review as part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This decision represents a significant win for environmental advocacy groups who have long argued for greater public access to information on … Read more
A Series of Spills in Rocky Mount Rocky Mount, North Carolina, has been grappling with a series of severe sewer spills, leading to the discharge of nearly three million gallons of sewage into the Tar River and surrounding waterways in less than two weeks. The spills, which began in late July and persisted through mid-August, … Read more
As hurricane season intensifies, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging residents who rely on private wells for their water supply to inspect their wells for potential contamination. The VDH highlights that wells may become contaminated if they were submerged during a hurricane or if there is any suspicion that submersion occurred. Steps to … Read more
Edenton, N.C. experienced a significant wastewater spill over the weekend following heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the town’s drainage systems. On Saturday, an estimated 33,000 gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged into the streets and nearby waterways during a period of flash flooding. Breakdown of the Discharge The deluge led to multiple discharges across different parts … Read more