Federal Judge Orders Chemours to Curb PFAS Pollution as Contamination Concerns Rise Nationwide
CHARLESTON, W.V. - A federal judge has ordered chemical manufacturer Chemours to instantly reduce pollution flowing from its West Virginia facility into the Ohio River, a ruling stemming from a lawsuit alleging the companyS discharge of PFAS – often called “forever chemicals” – is violating its environmental permit. the decision underscores a growing national crisis as more cities grapple with PFAS contamination in their drinking water supplies and the escalating costs of remediation.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. They are incredibly persistent in the environment and have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, immune deficiencies, and developmental issues.
The lawsuit, brought by the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, centers on Chemours’ discharge of GenX, a PFAS chemical used as a replacement for the older chemical PFOA. While Chemours acknowledged violating its current permit, it stated it was working with regulators on a long-term solution. Though, Judge Joseph Goodwin deemed that timeline insufficient, issuing the order for immediate action in August, which Chemours has appealed.
“This is a victory for public health and the Ohio River,” said Autumn Crowe, deputy director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, in a statement. “The Court recognized what communities have known for years: Chemours has been polluting our water and ignoring its legal obligations.”
the case highlights the challenges faced by communities downstream from PFAS sources. Louisville, Kentucky, which draws its drinking water from the Ohio River, is particularly concerned. According to Peter Goodmann, an attorney involved in the case, elevated GenX levels could complicate Louisville’s ability to meet federal drinking water standards.
“So what we do is manage risk, and we start that at the river,” Goodmann explained. “It sounds weird, but source water protection - keeping the stuff out of the river – is a big deal.”
Removing PFAS from drinking water is a costly process, especially for smaller, rural towns, according to Hart, an expert in water treatment. Preventing the initial contamination is therefore a more effective and economical strategy.The Yorba Linda Water District in Orange County, California, operates the nation’s largest resin PFAS water treatment plant, demonstrating the advanced technologies being deployed to address the issue.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals,a move that could require widespread testing and treatment across the country. the final rule is expected in late 2023.
This story comes from NPR’s health reporting partnership with Louisville Public Media and KFF Health News.
