A West Virginia chemical plant continues to pollute local waterways with "forever chemicals" and threaten public health.
A new lawsuit aims to hold the company accountable for its pollution violations. Meanwhile, the factory is the subject of a film called "Dark Waters."
What's happening?
As The Guardian reported, the Chemours Washington Works chemical plant is at the center of a decades-old pollution issue in Parkersburg, West Virginia. A federal complaint against the company alleges that it has been releasing long-lasting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances far beyond what its discharge permit allows.
Initial litigation against the company began around 25 years ago and concluded in 2016. However, the pollution continues, contaminating the Ohio River and affecting the livelihoods of the people of Parkersburg.
The West Virginia Rivers Coalition filed a new lawsuit alleging numerous violations, including releasing perfluorooctanoic acid, a forever chemical that is unsafe in drinking water in any amount. The ongoing pollution also prevents West Virginians from using the Ohio River for recreation.
"We have put up with this for 24 years, and [Chemours] is still polluting, they're still putting this stuff in the water," said one Parkersburg resident and an original litigant in 2001.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Why is forever chemical pollution important?
Forever chemicals have infiltrated our lives in many ways, but their devastating effects are just starting to become clear. Research has linked them to many human health risks, including cancer, kidney disease, and birth defects.
Even after lengthy lawsuits and high-profile media coverage, many local residents are unaware of the risks and ongoing pollution. Chemours is a significant employer in the region and has considerable regional power. Many residents rely on the company for work and are swayed by its greenwashing and charitable giving initiatives.
According to the new lawsuit, Chemours has not taken any corrective action for its ongoing violations, and the Environmental Protection Agency has not taken further action to enforce regulations.
|
Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Majorly 😥 What's being done about chemical plant pollution?
Attorneys and advocates are still working to hold Chemours accountable for its river pollution and keep Parkersburg residents safe. Lawsuits such as this one bring companies' polluting activities to the public's attention and force them to consider more than profits for the sake of people and the planet.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
The current lawsuit demands that the company pay $66,000 for each day of violation, totaling around $50 million. It also encourages an end to the pollution.
You can keep forever chemicals out of your life by choosing alternatives that are biodegradable. You can also avoid plastic food containers and start growing your own food to keep harmful plastics out of your body and away from your family.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
