News & Regulatory Insights
PFAS policy, NC legislation, and scientific developments — through the lens of applied research
The 2029 Clock: What North Carolina Utilities Must Do Before Federal PFAS Limits Bite
EPA's 2024 PFAS drinking water rule set hard deadlines: monitoring done by 2027, MCL compliance by 2029. A practical roadmap for NC utilities on treatment choices, funding, and the small-system squeeze.
Nash County at 122.5× the Federal Limit: What the Refreshed UCMR 5 Data Tells Us
A data-driven read of the refreshed EPA UCMR 5 results for North Carolina: 119 water systems above federal limits, 47 counties affected, and why Nash County's 122.5× exceedance demands a closer look.
The Two Million North Carolinians UCMR 5 Never Tested
Federal PFAS monitoring covers public water systems — but more than two million North Carolinians drink from private wells that were never sampled. Why the biggest exposure blind spot in the state is also the most fixable.
Strategic Investment in NC Water Infrastructure: A PFAS Lens
Analysis of the $200 million loan award for NC water facilities and its implications for PFAS remediation and compliance with emerging federal standards.
A Fleeting Victory in the Ongoing Battle Against PFAS in North Carolina
An expert analysis of a recent short-lived regulatory win on PFAS, its scientific context, and what it means for NC water policy and municipal systems.
Flooding, PFAS, and the Urgent Need for Resilient Water Infrastructure in North Carolina
An expert analysis of how the Hillsborough pumping station flood highlights PFAS contamination risks and underscores the need for federal and state investment in resilient water infrastructure.
Why the MVP Southgate Hearing Matters for PFAS Protection in North Carolina
An expert analysis of the upcoming DEQ hearing on the MVP Southgate natural gas project and its implications for PFAS contamination risk, state regulation, and municipal drinking water safety.
Dredging the Cape Fear River: PFAS Risks and Regulatory Implications for North Carolina
An expert analysis of the Army Corps’ proposed dredging project, its potential to remobilize PFAS‑contaminated sediments, and what it means for NC’s drinking‑water protections and EPA standards.
North Carolina’s Stand Against Weakened PFAS Reporting: Why Transparency Matters for Public Health
Dr. Soneye examines North Carolina’s opposition to a proposed EPA rollback of PFAS reporting rules, linking the move to state‑level PFAS policy, federal MCLs, and risks for municipal water systems.
Fecal Contamination at Saxapahaw WWTP Highlights Gaps in NC’s Approach to Emerging Contaminants
An advocacy call to investigate fecal bacteria discharges from the Saxapahaw wastewater treatment plant underscores broader concerns about contaminant pass‑through, including PFAS, in North Carolina’s surface waters.
The Ubiquitous Threat of Trifluoroacetic Acid in Eastern North Carolina’s Waters
An expert analysis of the pervasive detection of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in Eastern North Carolina, its scientific context, and implications for state and federal PFAS regulation.
Fuquay-Varina’s Water Transfer Request Raises PFAS and Basin‑Management Concerns
An expert analysis of Fuquay-Varina’s proposal to draw 6.17 MGD from the Cape Fear Basin while discharging treated wastewater to the Neuse Basin, examining PFAS risks, federal and state regulations, and implications for regional water management.
From Sand Tiger Sharks to Safe Waters: Why PFAS Oversight Matters for North Carolina’s Aquatic Ecosystems
The relocation of sand tiger sharks to larger habitats highlights the interconnectedness of animal welfare and water quality, underscoring the urgent need for robust PFAS regulation in North Carolina.
NC EMC Initiates Public Hearings on PFOA, PFOS, GenX & 1,4-Dioxane Monitoring Rules
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission has initiated a series of contested public hearings on proposed rules that would require industrial facilities and municipal wastewater treatment plants to rigorously monitor effluent for emerging contaminants.