A closer look at EPA’s news conference held, new national drinking water standards

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — On Wednesday, EPA Administrator Michael Regan was in Fayetteville to announce new national drinking water standards for PFAS. 

“To be in this moment knowing that the next time I hear the words ‘meets or exceeds federal or state drinking water standards,’ that those words will actually mean something,” Clean Cape Fear co-founder Emily Donovan said. 

This is the first-ever national, legally enforceable standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful forever chemicals.

“PFAS doesn’t care what your politics are; doesn’t care where you live; doesn’t care how much money you have in your pocket,” Regan said. “When it comes to the basic needs of clean drinking water, no matter what your political party is, or whether you live in the south, on the west coast or in the Midwest, everyone should be able to turn on their tap and trust that the water that they’re drinking – and giving their children – is safe.”

The Environmental Protection Agency is also making $1 billion in funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to test public and private water supplies for PFAS.   

Officials said these new standards will reduce exposure for 100 million people and help prevent thousands of illnesses, including cancer.  

Attorney General Josh Stein said it’s a choice to invest in the future.  

“Our children and grandchildren deserve clean air, clean water, and a healthy climate,” Attorney General Josh Stein said. 

Dana Sargent with Cape Fear River Watch shared what Wednesday’s announcement means for people in southeastern North Carolina.  

“The utilities are required to provide clean water based on the Clean Water Act. So, they should’ve been doing this all along. Some of our utilities, specifically our private utilities, have been waiting for the federal government to push their arms. So, this will do that,” Sargent said. 

We learned in 2017 that the Cape Fear River was contaminated with PFAS by Chemours, a manufacturing facility at the Bladen and Cumberland County line. 

Regan noted that high levels of forever chemicals were also found in firefighter foam and protective gear.  

Vinnie Messina is with the Professional Firefighters of Greensboro. He said immediate attention needs to be brought to this. As a first responder, he said he can’t preach safety when he can’t practice it himself.  

“It’s our job to protect others, it’s our job to protect the community. We also need the support of the community to protect us,” Messina said. 

Regan said Wednesday’s announcement is just a beginning effort of reduction and prevention, but it’s a big step forward.