TL/DR –
The ongoing issue of dangerous forever chemicals, PFAS, contaminating North Carolina’s water supplies has extended to private wells across the state, with contamination linked to emissions from the Chemours manufacturing plant. This pollution has not only entered water supplies but also soils, foods, and even air, posing risks of serious illnesses like kidney cancer and liver disease. A legislation modelled after Maine’s relief fund, the “Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act”, has been proposed in Congress to provide financial assistance and support to farmers affected by PFAS contamination, while also expanding monitoring and testing.
The extensive pollution from dangerous “forever chemicals”, PFAS, in North Carolina’s water supplies has been highlighted through private well sampling. A link between air emissions from the Chemours manufacturing plant and contaminated wells, up to 27 miles away, led North Carolina and two other states to file a petition urging the EPA to regulate PFAS under the Clean Air Act.
PFAS enters water from solvents and firefighting foam used at military bases and during the manufacture of certain products by companies like Chemours. The pollution now impacts our soil, food, and even air, with grave potential health risks including kidney cancer and liver disease.
Honeybird Organic Farm recently detected PFAS contamination in their produce and eggs, leading to a complete halt in production and crop destruction. This farm joins a growing list of affected farms in the Wilmington area discovering PFAS in their well water.
Several farms near military establishments in North Carolina have been warned of possible high PFAS levels in their soil and water, leading to potential business shutdowns or health risks.
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission is now setting limits on PFAS in groundwater, with proposed standards for surface water still being discussed. Meanwhile, farmers need quick help to preserve their livelihoods amid this rising crisis.
In Maine, an emergency relief fund provides financial and infrastructural assistance to impacted farmers, offering a blueprint for other states. Legislation based on this model, The Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, is now before Congress. The Act would authorize grants enabling states to take proactive steps towards PFAS testing and aid affected farmers.
North Carolina’s Congress members can support farmers by including the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act in the next Farm Bill. This would help farmers access short-term income replacement and health care for medical risks associated with PFAS exposure, prioritizing the health of our communities, land, and water.
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