Fayetteville joins nationwide lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers as contamination concerns grow

The Fayetteville City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding PFAS contamination and its impact on the community. Activist representatives from various organizations addressed the council, emphasizing the urgent need for action against the harmful effects of PFAS, a group of chemicals linked to serious health risks.

One of the key points raised was the recent expansion of well water testing for PFAS by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, which now includes nearly all of Cumberland County and five neighboring counties. This move comes amid alarming reports that the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) could potentially lose over $80 million in federal funding necessary for installing PFAS filters and replacing lead pipes due to funding freezes.

Additionally, concerns were voiced about a proposal from the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission that would allow companies responsible for PFAS pollution to self-monitor their emissions. Critics argue that this regulation would enable polluters, such as Chemours and DuPont, to continue contaminating drinking water with less oversight. A senior attorney from the Southern Environmental Law Center described the proposal as a "shield for polluters," raising alarms about the potential for increased environmental harm.

In response to these issues, the city of Fayetteville announced its participation in a nationwide lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS-containing fire suppressant foams, which have been used at Fort Bragg since the 1970s. This legal action aims to hold accountable those responsible for the widespread contamination affecting the community.

Activists urged the city council to collaborate with county officials and the school board to send a unified letter opposing the proposed regulations to the Environmental Management Commission, advocating for stronger protections for residents against PFAS pollution.

The meeting underscored the community's growing concern over environmental safety and the need for decisive action to safeguard public health. As discussions continue, the Fayetteville City Council faces pressure to address these pressing environmental issues effectively.