Chemours, the company responsible for the unregulated, possibly dangerous, chemical compounds in this region’s water supply, held a town hall meeting for the first time. Tuesday night in St. Pauls, near the company’s Fayetteville facility, concerned citizens gathered to hear about plans for how the chemical giant plans to clean up its operation.
“Chemical Terrorists, Chemical Terrorists… ”
More than a hundred curious citizens, many from the Wilmington area, filled the Faith Tabernacle Christian Center Tuesday night to hear from Chemours. Sheriff’s deputies escorted out two people, but overall the audience was respectful.
“In terms of care and compassion, I want you to know, that I care deeply, about the concerns of this community…”
Chemours officials recently decided to begin communicating with the public to try and build goodwill. Last night, attendees submitted questions to a moderator, who then asked them. Most were health related.
“The first group of questions for this evening are in regards to health concerns. There are 16 questions …”
A Chemours toxicologist stated unequivocally that the compounds in the water supply do not pose a risk to human health.
Plant Manager Brian Long described technical improvements at the facility.
“We believe as this is installed, we will be on a leading edge when it comes to a plant site like this with the low amount of emissions that we will have on emerging contaminants.”
The town hall meeting came a day after the Department of Environmental Quality filed a proposed court order to require Chemours to eliminate or reduce air emissions and water impacts caused by GenX and related compounds.
Company officials say there will be more public meetings in the future.