The state of North Carolina is now committing resources to support the Cape Fear Region in the challenge of GenX, and toxic discharges into the river. Governor Roy Cooper detailed that commitment during his Monday visit. He also mentioned a criminal investigation into Chemours, the company responsible for the chemicals in the water supply. However, it is not an investigation yet.
When Governor Cooper was here Monday, he said that the State Bureau of Investigation would be looking into a few things.
“The State Bureau of Investigation will work with the state Department of Environmental Quality, and the federal EPA, to determine if there is evidence of criminal violations of the permit, or of the federal consent order that allows the discharge of GenX that is in place, or of any other violations.”
However listen closely - it is not an investigation, yet.
“Let me preface by saying this is an assessment, of whether a criminal investigation is warranted here. And I think it’s important to say that, but I also want them to be thorough about looking at those questions.”
An assessment, which could lead to an investigation. Or it might not.
The state did launch an investigation last week, into whether Chemours used deceptive trade practices in its marketing of GenX. It’s known as a civil investigative demand, as Attorney General Josh Stein is demanding the company release records and documentation relating to safety data, names of persons responsible, health risks and more.