WILMINGTON — The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) concluded its internal review regarding its response of GenX being found in the Cape Fear River on June 22.
Board members had been given the weekend to review the results and met Monday morning to discuss them. The review concluded the CFPUA had acted in an “appropriate, professional, timely and scientific manner.”
CFPUA Chairman Mike Brown said the review analyzed, “CPFUA’s involvement in the N.C. State study, CFPUA staff communication about the study, evaluation of the appropriateness of CFPUA’s response to that study.”
The review was conducted by Vice-Chairwoman Jennifer Adams and attorney Robin Smith. In a recent revelation, it was learned that Adams was formerly employed by DuPont, the company that formed Chemours – the company believed responsible for GenX being found in the Cape Fear River.
Brown started the meeting by addressing the fact that Adams worked for DuPont and his opinion of Adams and her character.
“There have been several mentions in the media about Jennifer Adams employment over 15 years ago with DuPont as a chemical engineer in their Wilmington facility. I understand the interest concerning this fact. I would point out the following as my personal opinion. Jennifer is a person of great integrity and character, I have never heard anyone call her character call her into question,” Brown said.
The meeting then turned to address the contents of the review and potential steps the CFPUA can take in the future to prevent a similar situation if another containment were found in the water supply.
Executive Director Jim Flechtner explained to the board and community members in attendance that the CFPUA is in compliance with over 150 standards and handed out copies of the 2016 Water Quality Report.
Flechtner also discussed the possibilities of making the public aware of contaminates in the water supply – even if they are unregulated and there is little known about potential health side effects.
The EPA has a separate program for testing unregulated contaminates, which is only required every five years, he said.
The last time CFPUA tested for unregulated contaminates was in 2013 and will conduct another test next year. Board Member Pat Kusek suggested the CFPUA test more frequently than every five years.
What can be done?
The board also discussed the topic of transparency and public information. While several suggestions were made, the board did not take any official action at the meeting.
Brown suggested it would be beneficial for all parties involved if there was more communication among federal, local, and private entities such as the CFPUA, stakeholders in the Cape Fear River, the EPA, and the Department of Environmental Quality.
Flechtner recommended the CFPUA website include information for the public regarding unregulated chemicals, water quality testing, and other pertinent information.
Transparency was one of the biggest topics of discussion at the meeting and board members agreed that transparency moving forward is key.
Brown suggested the board do some more research into the suggestions, and take action during a future board meeting.
Michael Praats can be contacted via email at michael.p@localvoicemedia.com or on Twitter @michael_praats
