North Carolina

‘Forever chemicals’ detected in multiple NC water sources, study reveals

Published

1 year ago

July 6, 2023

‘Forever chemicals’ detected in multiple NC water sources, study reveals

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The water you and your family drink, bathe or swim in could be contaminated with chemicals known as “forever chemicals.”

A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found that nearly half of the tap water in America contains those chemicals.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of 12,000 different man-made chemicals.

In the past, WBTV has reported about the issue along the Cape Fear River, where the Chemours plant in Fayetteville polluted the river with PFAS chemicals for years.

USGS researchers tested water in 716 communities across the country, including 11 in North Carolina, according to the peer-reviewed journal article published by Science Direct.

The tests included private wells and public water supplies. They found PFAS in four of the North Carolina test sites.

While the study does not give the exact locations of the North Carolina test sites, the map shows positive tests at a private well near Durham, and public water supplies near Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte.

The researchers found most of the positive tests for PFAS chemicals in urban areas and close to plants, which could potentially be sources for PFAS.

Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to cancer, decreased fertility, liver damage and other health problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering new rules for PFAS in drinking water.

EPA announces proposed regulations of ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

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Related Topics:Chemicals Featured forever geological Nc north carolina pfas sources study survey Toxic united states us usgs water

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North Carolina

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

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Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – An eight-car crash injured several people and shut down a major interstate on Christmas Eve, the Charlotte Fire Department confirmed.

The crash happened at Interstate 85 North at West W.T. Harris Boulevard. I-85 was shut down by 7:40 p.m. and isn’t expected to reopen before 10:40 p.m.

Of those injured, two were taken to area hospitals, according to Medic.

Crews at the scene said to expect significant delays in the area.

For the latest traffic maps, visit drivenc.gov.

WBTV is working to find out more information. Download the free WBTV News app for the latest updates sent straight to your device.

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North Carolina

How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina

Published

12 hours ago

December 24, 2024

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How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina – CBS News

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After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to North Carolina, internet and cell phone service were spotty at best. But many were able to coordinate relief efforts and get crucial information out over AM radio. Skyler Henry has the story.

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North Carolina

North Carolina Dems fight GOP power shift as lawsuit targets election boards

Published

23 hours ago

December 24, 2024

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North Carolina Dems fight GOP power shift as lawsuit targets election boards

Outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) and Gov.-elect Josh Stein (D-NC) filed an expanded lawsuit Monday to challenge a sweeping Republican-backed law that strips significant powers from the state’s incoming Democratic officeholders.

The move by the Democratic leaders escalates an ongoing legal battle over GOP efforts to reshape control of state agencies and boards ahead of next month’s transition.

The new legal action focuses on Senate Bill 382, which transfers the governor’s authority to appoint members of the State Board of Elections to the state auditor, a position set to be held by Republican Dave Boliek. Additionally, the law grants the auditor the power to appoint the leaders of all county election boards, further limiting gubernatorial influence.

Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) waves to supporters during an election night watch party for Democratic North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Grant Halverson)

“These blatantly partisan efforts to give control over election boards to a newly elected Republican will create distrust in our elections process and serve no legitimate purpose,” Cooper said in a statement.

The lawsuit was originally filed by Democrats over Senate Bill 749, a bill blocked earlier this year that would have overhauled the state election board structure. With SB 382 now law, Cooper and Stein are seeking to amend the lawsuit to reflect the changes, which they argue are unconstitutional and undermine democratic principles.

“In recent years, these legislative leaders have repeatedly tried and failed to seize control of the State Board of Elections for their own partisan gain,” Stein said. “This latest move insults the voters who rejected their power grab and must not stand.”

SB 382’s provisions extend beyond election oversight. It prohibits the incoming attorney general, Democrat Jeff Jackson, from taking legal positions contrary to those of the Republican-led legislature. It also reallocates $227 million to a Hurricane Helene relief fund but does not specify how the money will be used, raising concerns about delayed aid to affected communities.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Republicans overrode Cooper’s veto of SB 382 earlier this month, using their supermajority in the state Senate. However, starting in 2025, they will lose their veto-proof majority in the House, creating a more challenging legislative landscape.

The case now heads to Wake County Superior Court as the political fight over North Carolina’s balance of power intensifies.

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