[Durham INC] What’s in Your Water? The Science and Regulation of GenX and Emerging Contaminants

[Pat Carstensen]

Some eastern North Carolinians have been shaken by the discovery that their drinking water supplies contain GenX, a chemical that is suspected of causing health issues but that at present is not regulated.


Recently, scientists found similar substances in drinking water supplies in the Triangle.


The human health effects of GenX and other perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are unknown. State lawmakers, Gov. Roy Cooper and state agencies are at odds at how to proceed. What are communities and residents supposed to do to make sure their drinking water is safe? If it isn’t safe, what can they ask governments to do to fix the situation?


These questions and more will be addressed at a free public forum at the N.C. Central University Law School.


WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22.

WHERE: NCCU Law School auditorium, 640 Nelson Street. There is parking beside the Law School, along Cecil Street and in front of the Walker Complex. Please do not use reserved spaces.


WHO: Moderator: Adam Whitaker, NCCU Law School

Panelists:

  *   Alexandra Cornelius, NCCU Law School. Ms. Cornelius is managing editor of the Environmental Law Review and is a 2018 Juris Doctor candidate. She will summarize issues from her recent research.
  *   Lee Ferguson, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University. Dr. Ferguson’s research is focused on development of novel methods for trace analysis of organic and nanoparticulate contaminants in the aquatic environment. Recently he has been involved in monitoring for PFASs in Jordan Lake; he will discuss past WQ monitoring data and future NC monitoring plans.
  *   Robin Smith, former Assistant Secretary, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Ms. Smith’s law practice focuses on environmental and energy law. She writes an environmental law and policy blog (www.smithenvironment.com). From September 1999 through December 2012, her duties at NCDENR included responsibility for environmental regulatory programs dealing with water quality, air quality, water supply, coastal development, mining, oil and gas production, and hazardous waste.
  *   Vicki Westbrook, Assistant Director, Department of Water Management, City of Durham. Ms. Westbrook will discuss the effectiveness of drinking water treatment options (e.g., current approaches, activated carbon) for removal of synthetic organics such as GenX.

The forum is sponsored by the Sierra Club and the NCCU Environmental Law Society.
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