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● 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● Small and rural systems face PFAS contamination.● Limited funding slows treatment upgrades.● Residents face prolonged exposure.● Federal aid can be delayed.● Point-of-use filtration offers protection. Recent data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exposed the breadth of PFAS contamination across the nation’s drinking water systems. A USA TODAY analysis … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● Chemical companies reached a nationwide settlement.● Funds will support water treatment costs.● No admission of wrongdoing was required.● Some communities still face cleanup.● Litigation and regulation continue. Three major chemical manufacturers—Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva—have agreed to a $875 million settlement with the State of New Jersey. The agreement addresses environmental damage claims … Read more
In the foothills of West Virginia, a chemical facility known for its toxic legacy continues to pump harmful substances into the Ohio River, despite a much-publicized federal crackdown. Chemours’ Washington Works plant, once operated by DuPont, remains a major source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — chemicals infamous for their longevity in the … Read more
The FDA has identified the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in ten bottled water brands sold across the U.S., raising concerns about the perceived safety of a product many Americans turn to for peace of mind. Though the detected PFAS levels remained below federal safety thresholds, their mere presence has stirred renewed dialogue … Read more
A fuel spill released over 2,100 gallons into the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Friday morning. The Chesapeake Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) responded to the incident at 2801 S. Military Hwy after personnel conducting routine safety checks discovered the leak around 7 a.m. Swift Action … Read more
Millions of Americans unknowingly consume tap water tainted with harmful, unregulated chemicals, according to a new study by the Silent Spring Institute. Researchers found over 97 million people in the United States have been exposed to contaminants that pose potential health risks, highlighting a growing concern about water quality nationwide. What Are the Contaminants? The … Read more
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
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expanded its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to include nine additional “forever chemicals.” This move is aimed at increasing transparency and helping communities monitor the release of these persistent substances into their environments. What Are Forever Chemicals? Forever chemicals, technically referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are synthetic … Read more