Cancer Causing Chemical Dumping in NC Rivers

The Cape Fear River Basin, lifeline to 1.5 million North Carolina residents, sits at the heart of a brewing dispute. Cities like Asheboro, Greensboro, and Reidsville continue dumping a chemical called 1,4-dioxane into its waters — a move that environmentalists say jeopardizes communities downstream. The cities, however, claim legality, citing favorable court decisions and the absence of binding state water quality standards. With federal regulators circling and lawsuits looming, the battle over 1,4-dioxane reflects a familiar standoff: industry revenues versus environmental regulation.

What is 1,4-Dioxane?

1,4-dioxane is a colorless solvent used in industrial processes. It’s linked to cancer in humans, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Yet, North Carolina wastewater plants aren’t built to remove it effectively. Manufacturers in Asheboro and nearby cities discharge this chemical through local wastewater systems. The cities get paid to treat this waste — and then release it, untreated for dioxane, into rivers. This practice remains legal due to a 2024 lawsuit that resulted in no discharge limits for the chemical. In December, this legal gap allowed Asheboro to discharge amounts of 1,4-dioxane that exceeded state health thresholds by over 2,300 times.

Cities Push Back Against EPA Intervention

As federal pressure mounted, the EPA gave North Carolina a deadline — April 3 — to set tighter dioxane limits or face intervention. Just before the deadline, Asheboro requested a public hearing. This procedural move effectively paused EPA action. The Southern Environmental Law Center isn’t waiting. The organization has threatened to sue Asheboro and two industrial contributors, plastics firm StarPet and Great Oak Landfill operated by Waste Management. Senior attorney Jean Zhuang declared, “This pollution jeopardizes the health of communities downstream… Asheboro and these industries must stop their illegal discharges.” Zhuang emphasized that federal law mandates industries handle their own waste, not shift the responsibility downstream. “The Clean Water Act requires industries to treat their own pollution. The burden should not be on downstream communities,” she said.

Business interests see the EPA’s actions as government overreach. The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Sen. Thom Tillis labeling the EPA’s stance as “egregious.” In the letter, Alyssa Morrissey, regulatory affairs director, argued, “EPA’s action is a prime example of a federal agency exceeding its authority… municipalities would be required to install costly treatment technologies at their wastewater treatment plants — an expense of up to $1.3 billion for certain municipalities.” Meanwhile, Brunswick County, located downstream, is building a $160 million treatment system to remove 1,4-dioxane. The project won’t be complete until spring 2025, and local taxpayers are footing part of the bill.

With a new administration in Washington, environmental policy has become increasingly politicized. Under President Trump, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signaled a shift in priorities. On social media, Zeldin emphasized that the agency’s goal is to reduce the costs of homeownership, car ownership, and business operation — not to tighten chemical discharge rules. Linda Birnbaum, a toxicologist at Duke University, expressed concern that the administration’s stance may undercut established science. “They’ve said that their objective is to unleash industry,” she noted. “We’re concerned that it won’t be done in an unbiased manner.”

Environmental Costs and Legal Deadlock

The situation leaves North Carolinians facing uncertain water quality. With legal protections lagging behind scientific understanding, pollution may continue unchecked unless either the EPA acts decisively or courts intervene. The EPA must now decide whether to proceed with a public hearing or impose new limits. Either path could determine whether North Carolina cities alter their discharge practices or continue business as usual. For now, commerce and conservation remain in conflict, with no clear resolution in sight.

Home Protection from Cancer Causing Chemicals

Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners offer a layer of protection for residents exposed to 1,4-dioxane and other contaminants. RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes most chemicals, including 1,4-dioxane when used with additional carbon filtration. Whole-home water conditioners can improve overall water quality by addressing sediment, hardness, and some organic compounds. For residents of affected regions like Brunswick County, investing in RO systems could offer short-term relief until broader infrastructure upgrades take effect.

Source: Carolina Public Press