WILMINGTON — The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the PFAS Testing Network are set to host a free public forum Friday on emerging contaminants.
On Friday, the forum will cover the state of emerging contaminants in the public drinking water supply, air, and environment in the Cape Fear region.
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Residents and community leaders can expect to learn more about the Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Testing Network, a research team comprised of academics from the state’s leading universities. PFAST Network formed in 2018 after the General Assembly allocated $5 million to further study emerging contaminants following the Wilmington StarNews’ summer 2017 disclosure of PFAS-related research.
“This forum will give residents and our regional leaders an opportunity to hear directly from top university researchers working to understand the scope and effects of the exposure to these contaminants within this region,” Tracy Skrabal, southeastern regional manager and coastal scientists for the N.C. Coastal Federation, said in a release.
The forum will take place between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the UNCW Lumina Theater at the Fisher Student Center. A fee public reception will follow the forum.
Attendance is free, but seating is limited. Secure a seat before Thursday, May 30, at midnight.
“The issues surrounding emerging contaminants are incredibly complex and evolved over many decades, and this targeted research is critically needed to inform and guide our state and regional policy and enforcement actions,” Skrabal said in the release. “Ultimately, our shared goal must be to restore safe drinking water and a natural environment to our residents and visitors and to ensure that there is no future ‘GenX Crisis.’”
Parking is available in Lot E, with overflow parking available in Lot M on Reigel Road. Carpooling is encouraged.
Learn more about N.C. Coastal Federation and its upcoming Friday, May 31 forum.
