CLIFF NOTES A USGS study found PFAS in 45% of US tap water. The study tested water from 716 locations between 2016 and 2021. PFAS are man-made chemicals that don’t break down naturally. These chemicals are linked to cancer, birth issues, and other health risks. Over 99% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, according … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● PFAS were detected in nearly all tested private wells across rural Virginia.● Contamination was found even outside municipal water systems.● Long-term exposure remains a concern despite generally low detected levels.● Private wells are not subject to the same monitoring as public systems.● Regular testing and filtration help reduce household risk. Across Virginia, … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● Biosolids used as fertilizer may contain PFAS chemicals.● Virginia does not currently require PFAS testing of biosolids.● Residents fear contamination of soil, groundwater, and drinking water.● Other states have moved to restrict PFAS-laden sludge.● Regulatory gaps leave communities responsible for monitoring risk. In Virginia, the path from household or industrial waste to … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● HRSD treated over one billion gallons of wastewater for reuse.● Advanced purification was used to meet drinking water standards.● The project reflects growing reliance on water reuse.● Public trust remains a key challenge.● Long-term monitoring is essential. In southeastern Virginia, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) has been busy doing something both … Read more
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. … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● The EPA delayed releasing a toxicity assessment for PFNA.● PFNA is linked to liver, immune, and developmental effects.● Lawmakers raised transparency concerns.● Delays may affect regulatory timelines.● Communities remain exposed during review. In a development drawing growing scrutiny, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has delayed the release of a finalized report assessing … Read more
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a draft pollution discharge permit for the Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant. This move has sparked concern from environmental advocates and residents, as the permit, if finalized, would allow the facility to release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into nearby waterways. These include Four Mile … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● NC ordered expanded PFAS testing around the Chemours facility.● Thousands of additional wells are now eligible.● Contamination is linked to industrial operations.● Residents can request testing through state programs.● Testing helps identify exposure risks. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has ordered Chemours to widen its testing of private drinking … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● Chemours requested permission to expand PFAS production.● The facility has a history of contamination.● Residents strongly oppose expansion.● The company claims improved controls.● Community trust remains low. 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 … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● PFAS detected in additional NC water systems.● Millions more residents may be exposed.● Utilities face compliance challenges.● Health risks are well documented.● Treatment upgrades are ongoing. In recent months, federal environmental testing has shed light on an expanding water contamination crisis. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported the presence of toxic “forever … Read more