The state Department of Environmental Quality is investigating reports of an air emissions leak at Chemours’ Fayetteville facility and whether the leak constitutes a violation of the company’s air permit.
Chemours’ officials reported on Wednesday morning the leak occurred about 5:40 p.m. Tuesday in the company’s vinyl ether manufacturing area and estimated the leak lasted about 13 hours before the company stopped the leak. The leak came from a condensation tower on the company’s Fayetteville Works property. The company was able to isolate the equipment and repair a valve they believe to be the source of the leak.
Based on information provided by Chemours, 55 pounds of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) and 70 pounds of HFPO dimer acid fluoride was released.
DEQ is also continuing to monitor air quality emissions as part of its investigation.
Earlier this week, DEQ moved to revoke Chemours’ permit because the company failed to comply with its permit and failed to report an unrelated spill that occurred in October. DEQ has suspended Chemours’ permit effective Nov. 30 and the company is still required by the state to divert wastewater containing GenX and transport it out-of-state for disposal.