Emerging Compounds

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Emerging Compounds

As emerging compounds are discovered in our environment, DEQ is taking action to determine the environmental and health impacts and appropriate remedial actions.

Chemours Consent Order

DEQ signed a Consent Order on Feb. 25, 2019, that requires Chemours to address all sources of PFAS at the facility to prevent further impacts to air, soil, groundwater, and surface waters.

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GenX Investigation

Find out the latest on the state investigation, including the consent order signed on February 25, 2019, regarding the release of an unregulated chemical known as GenX and its impacts on surrounding and downstream communities.

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Emerging compounds are relatively unknown compounds that are increasingly being detected in soil, groundwater and surface water. As science advances, laboratories are able to detect these compounds and researchers are discovering new details about their impacts. The emerging compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS is of concern both nationally and in North Carolina. This is a group of are man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS and GenX, and are found in a wide range of consumer products. The science and research about emerging contaminants is quickly expanding, so DEQ has created a list of resources to help North Carolinians learn more.

Information Resources on Emerging Compounds

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, refers to a group of man-made chemicals. They are widely used in commercial and consumer products such as food packaging, water- and stain-repellent fabrics, nonstick products and firefighting foams. They are also commonly used in industrial processes and manufacturing. Because of their widespread use, these compounds are present in household and industrial waste, air emissions and discharges.

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can build up, or bioaccumulate, in humans and animals.

Learn more about PFAS, how to reduce your exposure and DEQ's actions

DEQ Action Strategy for PFAS

DEQ’s three priorities in addressing PFAS are protecting communities, protecting drinking water and cleaning up existing contamination. The Action Strategy for PFAS outlines DEQ’s current and planned work to determine the extent of existing PFAS contamination, identify and notify those who may be at risk of exposure, and prevent future contamination.

Read the DEQ Action Strategy for PFAS

Managing Emerging Compounds in Air

The Division of Air Quality has been integral in the state's work on emerging compounds.

Managing Emerging Compounds in Waste

The Division of Waste Management works with facilities, landfills and others to investigate the extent of emerging compounds in North Carolina.

Managing Emerging Compounds in Water

The Division of Water Resources is working with public water and wastewater treatment systems to learn more about emerging compounds.

Secretaries' Science Advisory Board

Created to help DEQ and DHHS, the SAB examines new and emerging chemicals and provides guidance on their potential health impacts.

The N.C. Department Environmental Quality (DEQ), along with the state Department of Health and Human Services, began investigating the presence of a compound known as GenX in the Cape Fear River in June 2017. The state’s investigation focused on the protection of public health and drinking water and quickly identified the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility as the producer of GenX.

Following the state's extensive investigative actions, DEQ developed and signed a Consent Order in February 2019 that requires Chemours to:

Provide clean water for those with PFAS-impacted private wells.
Address all sources of PFAS at the facility to prevent further impacts to air, soil, groundwater and surface waters
Clean up previous contamination of the soil and groundwater.

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