Protect Cape Fear River communities from toxic chemical dumping

The EPA is trying to regulate the discharge of a toxic, likely cancer-causing chemical that's contaminating the drinking water of nearly 1 million North Carolinians. The City of Asheboro is fighting to stop them. Tell the EPA today to block Asheboro from dumping MORE 1,4 dioxane into public drinking water sources!

State regulators tried to set limits on how much 1,4 dioxane can be dumped from Asheboro's water treatment facility directly into a stream that feeds into the Cape Fear River, but city leaders are fighting for the right to keep polluting. The EPA has stepped in to require DEQ to regulate 1,4 dioxane under the Clean Water Act – now WE need to speak up in support of those limits!

Asheboro has been dumping high levels of 1,4 dioxane for several years, showing blatant disregard for nearly 1 million North Carolinians who live downstream. The chemical is classified as a likely carcinogen, and long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

If Asheboro succeeds in killing 1,4 dioxane regulation, it will set a precedent for all of North Carolina – opening any community to similar health threats.

The EPA is taking comments now through Friday, Oct. 31, on whether to allow Asheboro to dump 1,4 dioxane into the Cape Fear River. Speak up today to protect yourself and your fellow North Carolinians! Use our form to submit your feedback, and be sure to add a personal message for maximum impact.

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Regulate 1,4 dioxane pollution to protect NC communities

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I urge you to honor the Clean Water Act and require the regulation of 1,4 dioxane in all NPDES permits. The City of Asheboro should not be permitted to discharge this dangerous chemical into public drinking water sources.

The lives and health of nearly 1 million North Carolinians who live downstream from Asheboro and get their drinking water from the Cape Fear River are threatened by 1,4 dioxane, which your own agency has established is a likely carcinogen.

Families and communities shouldn't be endangered simply by using the water from their taps. Many residents might not even realize that they're drinking water laced with 163 times the safe amount of a chemical with well-known health effects. Our state regulators must be allowed to set and maintain science-based caps on 1,4 dioxane to protect these communities, and to maintain a regulatory precedent that will allow protection of other North Carolina drinking water sources.

I urge you to support the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's expertise and care for our state's residents by requiring the regulation of Asheboro's 1,4 dioxane discharges. We trust state and federal regulators to prioritize the health and safety of our people over the profits and interests of industry and local government.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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