Proposed Gen X-related bill would target Chemours, form task force

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Ambitious new legislation would set new standards for Gen X and other similar compounds in the state’s water supply.

If passed, the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) would be required to form a task force to analyze and identify pollutants found in ground and surface waters, air, soil, dust, and food within the Lower Cape Fear River Basin. Cumberland, Bladen, Columbus, Brunswick, and New Hanover Counties all fall within that area.

The measure would require Chemours and other polluting companies to be named and held financially responsible for replacing the tainted water supply with a permanent replacement water source.

Additionally, polluting companies would be required to fund periodic maintenance for the filtration system used for the clean water supply.

A chief sponsor of the bill, Sen. Harper Peterson believes that Gen-X is responsible for an elevated rate of thyroid cancer, liver cancer, and other illnesses in the Cape Fear region than in the rest of the state.

The bill would require $270 million for funding.