State commission delays implementation of new PFAS water standards

Commissioners with the NC Environmental Management Commission said they need more time to assess potential economic impact

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — At their May meeting, the NC Environmental Management Commission postponed implementation of new PFAS water standards. Some commissioners said an analysis—known as a Fiscal Note—evaluating state and local expenditures associated with implementing the new standards was not provided.

In late April, the NC Chamber of Commerce sent a letter pressuring the EMC to postpone the new regulations, citing concerns over the impact to state business.

NC DEQ Secretary Elisabeth Biser also sent a letter to the EMC, urging them to put the health of North Carolinians before concerns over economic impact.  

Cape Fear River Watch Executive Director Dana Sargent agrees. 

“Our communities have been very active in begging the state and the federal government for help in regulating these companies, and the economic impact on the companies should not be what the state EMC is looking at,” Sargent said. 

Sargent added without the state implementing new regulations on PFAS emission, the cost to remove those compounds from drinking water will be reflected in customers’ water bills, particularly in the Cape Fear River Basin.

Co-founder of Clean Cape Fear Emily Donovan points to a disconnect between the EMC in Raleigh and communities downstream.  

“I think it’s ridiculous. I think anyone down here who’s paying attention can recognize what’s happening in Raleigh. There’s a huge disconnect between what the people need and deserve versus what’s happening up there,” Donovan said. 

Sargent added that the new regulations could potentially benefit PFAS producing companies.  

“These companies are skating on thin lines towards bankruptcy because of all the liability, and I think they would welcome potentially an opportunity to have to tell their shareholders that they have to shift the research and development into PFAS alternatives,” Sargent said. 

The EMC will meet again for their next regular meeting on July 11.