PFAS debate grows in coastal North Carolina

(WWAY) — An environmental study examining PFAS levels in sea foam along the North Carolina coast is drawing renewed attention as state regulators move toward finalizing a controversial rule governing the chemicals.

Last year, the advocacy group Clean Cape Fear tested sea foam samples along the coasts of New Hanover and Brunswick counties and found elevated levels of PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment.

The study is resurfacing as the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission considers a proposed PFAS “minimization” rule. Critics of the proposal argue it lacks enforceable discharge limits, strict deadlines, and penalties for companies releasing PFAS into waterways.

Clean Cape Fear co-founder Emily Donovan said opposition to the proposed rule has grown rapidly in recent days, with thousands signing a petition calling for stronger protections for coastal waters.

“Well over 6,000 signatures, majority of them North Carolinians, and the ones that aren’t from North Carolina are commenting that they vacation regularly here with their families and are equally concerned, so this is a massive problem that is impacting, I think, our tourist economy here,” said Donovan.

Members of Clean Cape Fear are encouraging residents to contact the Environmental Management Commission and submit comments on the proposed rule.

The public comment period remains open through June 15.