Infamous NC Chemours Plant Wants To Produce MORE PFAS

A Legacy of Contamination, a Push for More

Chemours, the chemical manufacturer with a controversial history in Southeastern North Carolina, has requested a permit revision to increase production of PFAS compounds at its Fayetteville Works facility. This plant, located in Bladen County, has already become emblematic of industrial pollution in the region—most notably for its discharge of GenX and other PFAS chemicals into the Cape Fear River.

Now, amid ongoing investigations into the extent of previous contamination, Chemours has filed to expand its manufacturing of vinyl ethers—substances used to create PFAS compounds like PFA. These compounds, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to environmental degradation, have been linked to health issues such as cancer, immune system problems, and developmental effects in children.

Public Response: Outrage and Distrust

Environmental advocates argue that any increase in PFAS production threatens to undo progress made in addressing water quality issues in the Cape Fear region. For many, Chemours’ proposal evokes a sense of disbelief.

“It’s a ludicrous idea. It’s kind of insulting, actually,” said Kemp Burdette of Cape Fear River Watch. “We’re still trying to figure out how far our pollution goes, but let us expand even more… even though we have no idea how far it’s already going.”

Burdette’s statement captures a broader community sentiment—one shaped by years of mistrust and frustration. The company’s past pollution, discovered only after decades of discharge, has already led to lawsuits, fines, and costly clean-up efforts funded in part by taxpayers.

Company Stance: Growth, with Mitigation

Despite the backlash, Chemours maintains that the proposed expansion will not exacerbate pollution concerns. In a written statement, a company spokesperson noted that vinyl ethers are “essential for critical chemistries” tied to technologies such as semiconductor chips, defense systems, and batteries.

Chemours also committed to installing additional granular activated carbon units with each phase of the expansion. These systems are designed to filter out PFAS and other harmful compounds, reducing emissions and, theoretically, environmental impact.

However, critics remain skeptical.

Regulators in Review, but No Deadline

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) is currently reviewing the revised permit application, which Chemours submitted in August. As of now, the department has not released a timeline for a final decision.

While the review process unfolds, local residents and advocacy groups continue to voice concerns. They see the permit request as an attempt to sidestep accountability by pushing forward with expansion before the full extent of past damage is understood.

Political Winds and Regulatory Rollbacks

This request arrives as federal regulatory landscapes begin to shift. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of rolling back certain PFAS-related regulations enacted during the Biden administration. For advocates, this rollback represents a clear boon for chemical manufacturers.

“This is a clear victory for Chemours and nobody else,” said Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear. Donovan argues that regulatory retreats at the federal level may leave states like North Carolina more vulnerable to corporate overreach.

Her stance reflects a broader anxiety among environmental organizations: that weakened federal oversight will enable repeat offenders like Chemours to operate with less accountability.

A Region Still Recovering

Southeastern North Carolina has spent years grappling with the effects of PFAS contamination. Communities along the Cape Fear River rely on its waters for drinking, fishing, and agriculture. The economic and public health costs of chemical pollution have mounted steadily, with no definitive end in sight.

“The threat that this river, which is our drinking water supply, is gonna get even more contaminated with PFAS, is very real,” Burdette warned. “…I see no reason why we should be rushing to approve an expansion.”

For residents, the memory of past contamination is still fresh. Their skepticism is not just rooted in science but in lived experience. Many now question how a company still under scrutiny for its environmental record could be allowed to expand operations involving the same chemicals that caused the crisis in the first place.

Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners: A Line of Defense

Given the persistent nature of PFAS contamination, many households and municipalities have turned to reverse osmosis (RO) systems and whole-home water conditioners. These technologies provide one of the most effective ways to remove PFAS compounds from drinking water.

RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, filtering out up to 99% of contaminants, including GenX and related chemicals. Whole-home water conditioners, when paired with activated carbon filters, further reduce PFAS exposure at the tap. For communities along the Cape Fear River, such systems have become vital tools in minimizing risk amid ongoing industrial activity.

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Source: WECT6 News