In North Carolina, two residents have sued public agencies and businesses, alleging that PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” spread into their well water, soil, and other resources used by the surrounding community.
The case points to an issue with implications far beyond two households: contamination in the Haw River Basin, a drinking water source for a broad stretch of the state.
Here’s what to know
The case was filed in Alamance County Superior Court by Todd Dean, owner of Dean’s Trucking in Graham, and Steve Wall, former owner of Steve’s Garden Market in Graham. According to The Alamance News, Alamance County, the cities of Burlington and Graham, and six companies are accused of allowing hazardous chemicals to enter groundwater, wells, and soil.
The suit names Unichem Specialty Chemicals, Elevate Textiles, Shawmut Park Avenue, Republic Services, Synagro Central, and EMA Resources as defendants. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and an order requiring that contaminated soil and water be restored to “pre-exposure levels” for substances that the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission classifies as hazardous…