North Carolina is advancing a framework to combat per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in surface water. These measures include targeted monitoring and minimization efforts aimed at reducing pollution while alleviating cleanup costs for utilities and consumers. At a recent meeting, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) reviewed plans outlined by the Department of … Read more
Rising sea levels, a pressing consequence of climate change, are introducing unexpected challenges for North Carolina’s coastal tourism industry. A recent study published in Water Resources Research has revealed a troubling connection between tap water salinity and declining overnight stays in the state’s coastal accommodations. The Problem: Saltwater Intrusion into Aquifers The intrusion of saltwater … Read more
Contaminated groundwater in parts of North Carolina may take more than 40 years to flush out harmful chemicals known as PFAS, according to a recent study from North Carolina State University. The findings highlight the persistent threat posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Cumberland and Bladen counties, with significant implications for residents and … Read more
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
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
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
Wastewater analysis across Virginia has revealed an uptick in the prevalence of COVID-19, signaling a renewed focus on the virus’s spread in the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia currently ranks in the “Very High” category for the viral load of COVID-19 present in its wastewater. This method of … Read more
In a recent report, Sound Rivers, an organization monitoring over 50 river sites across North Carolina, revealed that six locations failed the weekly fecal bacteria test. Testing and Results Sound Rivers conducts weekly tests during the summer to assess water quality across North Carolina. For the week ending July 19, 23 sites in the central … Read more
In a concerning development for residents of an unincorporated area in Cumberland County, North Carolina, reports have emerged about the contamination of private well water with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This discovery has prompted a flurry of alerts from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), raising alarm over the … Read more
In the scenic locale of Beaufort, North Carolina, where boats are a common sight docked along the tranquil waters of Bogue Sound, a less visible but significant environmental concern looms. Known as PFAs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, these “forever chemicals” present a growing threat to marine life and human health due to their persistence … Read more