Chemours May Haved Concealed Data from NC Public

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — In the humid air of southeastern North Carolina, controversy simmers once again around Chemours, the chemical company operating the Fayetteville Works plant. Attorneys at the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) accuse Chemours of omitting key emissions information in a recent permit application, raising alarms about transparency and potential risks to communities downstream.

Allegations of Withholding Data

On August 14, Chemours filed an application with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeking to expand vinyl ethers production at its Fayetteville facility. Environmental lawyers argue that the company blacked out critical emissions data in the public version of the application. These omissions include stack test results, emissions factors, and production figures.

In a September 19 letter to the DEQ, SELC attorneys stated, “We urge the Department to require Chemours to re-submit its application with disclosed emissions data.” They emphasized that “North Carolina law clearly states that emission data cannot be kept secret.”

Chemours Responds to Transparency Concerns

Chemours denied the allegations. Jess Loizeaux, Chemours’ communications leader, defended the company’s filing, saying, “Our permit application fully disclosed the projected emissions associated with the expansion.” Loizeaux explained that certain details were redacted because they are considered confidential business information. “Protecting confidential business information is standard practice and does not affect transparency regarding environmental impacts,” she said.

This isn’t the first time Chemours and its predecessor, DuPont, have sought to withhold data. Earlier this year, attorneys representing the companies asked a federal court to seal thousands of pages of documents tied to chemical production, citing competitive concerns.

Legal Disputes Over PFAS Contamination

The battle extends beyond paperwork. Since 2017, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority and several local governments—including Brunswick County, Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority, and Wrightsville Beach—have pursued legal action against Chemours and DuPont. They aim to recover costs associated with the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the Cape Fear River, a drinking water source for tens of thousands.

These “forever chemicals” have long been at the center of environmental and health concerns. Despite a 2019 consent order requiring Chemours to install a thermal oxidizer to curb PFAS emissions and conduct regional well testing, SELC argues the company’s emissions control may not be working as advertised.

According to their letter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency raised concerns about the effectiveness of thermal destruction, stating that the process might not fully destroy PFAS. The letter elaborated, “Some may break down into other harmful chemicals, and others may not be destroyed at all.”

Timeline of Permit and Expansion Plans

Chemours first submitted a Title V air permit renewal in 2020. Two years later, the company filed a separate request to expand vinyl ethers and IXM production. The August 2024 revision narrowed the focus to vinyl ethers only. These compounds are used in manufacturing products ranging from semiconductor chips to plastics.

Loizeaux confirmed the expansion would involve two existing vinyl ethers units. She also claimed that additional emissions controls will reduce overall fluorinated emissions by about 15%—even with the increased production. “A timeline for the expansions has not yet been set,” she added.

Public Engagement and State Oversight

Despite the ongoing concerns, DEQ has deemed the application “administratively complete.” However, DEQ’s Interim Deputy Communications Director, Shawn Taylor, noted the review is far from over. “The Division may require additional information from the applicant to conduct its technical review,” he said in an email. A public comment period and hearings are expected, though dates have not been announced.

Past Disclosures Fuel Suspicion

SELC lawyers argue that Chemours’ current stance contradicts its previous behavior. “Chemours’ about-face from its past submissions further confirms that this information cannot be treated as confidential,” they wrote.

They stressed that the public needs access to emissions rates and production data to fully assess the environmental impact. This transparency, they argue, is not only legal but essential.

Historical and Ongoing Environmental Impact

Chemours’ environmental footprint in North Carolina is already well-documented. For years, residents along the Cape Fear River have raised concerns about PFAS in their water. The company’s installation of a thermal oxidizer came as part of a settlement designed to mitigate further harm. However, doubts remain about the long-term effectiveness of these measures.

The EPA’s remarks regarding “products of incomplete combustion” highlight the lingering uncertainty. Without clear data and accountability, advocates argue, public trust continues to erode.

Addressing PFAS in Home Water Systems

In light of Chemours’ history and the presence of PFAS in local water supplies, many residents have turned to water treatment solutions. Reverse osmosis systems offer one of the most effective methods for reducing PFAS levels in drinking water. These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including perfluorinated chemicals.

Whole-home water conditioners, while useful for improving water hardness and taste, are not designed to remove PFAS on their own. However, when combined with reverse osmosis, they can provide comprehensive protection for households concerned about water quality.

Source: Coastal Review