Water contamination in Lawrence and Morgan Counties, Alabama facts for kids
Water in Lawrence and Morgan Counties, Alabama, has had problems with two chemicals called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These chemicals are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they stay in the environment for a very long time.
In 2016, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shared new health warnings. People became worried about how much PFOA and PFOS were in their water. This situation made people wonder if everyone was being treated fairly, especially when it came to their environment.
Contents
Water Contamination History
In late 2013, scientists from the US Geological Survey and the EPA studied water samples. They found traces of chemicals in water from places like Lawrence and Morgan Counties in Alabama. One of these chemicals was PFOA.
PFOA has been linked to health issues. These include problems with the thyroid, kidney cancer, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Many people in Alabama have faced issues from contaminated water. This water could cause cancer or developmental problems for children. In May 2016, the EPA told people in Lawrence and Morgan Counties not to drink the tap water. Tests showed that the water had PFOA and PFOS.
These two chemicals, PFOS and PFOA, are known to be harmful. Companies like 3M, Daikin, and Dyneon LLC were identified as possible sources. There was a lot of discussion among government officials. Some wondered if the pollution was really a big problem. The EPA advised people not to drink the water until more studies were done.
On August 6, 2016, the West Morgan-East Lawrence Water Authority made a statement. They said new tests showed the water had 14 parts per trillion of the chemicals. This level was below the EPA's health warning level. However, water officials still wanted to add a special filter to the water system.
EPA Water Rules
On March 19, 2016, the EPA issued health warnings about PFOA and PFOS. They said that if the combined level of both chemicals reached 70 parts per trillion, it could be harmful. This new level was much higher than what was thought safe before.
In 2009, even a tiny amount (0.04 parts per billion) of PFOA and PFOS was seen as a possible danger. In 2012, the EPA started a rule called the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3). This rule came from the Safe Drinking Water Act. It required public water systems to test for PFOA and PFOS.
Even with new warnings in 2016, there are no strict national laws about these chemicals yet. The EPA's health warnings are mainly to share information. They also encourage more research before taking stronger action.
In February 2017, there were talks about closing an EPA division. This division, called the Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance (OECA), helps enforce laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act. On March 8, 2017, senators from New York proposed a new law. This law would make the EPA set stricter limits for chemicals like PFOA and PFOS.
Some lawmakers also want the military to clean up PFOA and PFOS pollution. This pollution is found at various military sites. Even with budget cuts, research on PFOA and PFOS continues. It is funded by the Department of Defense.
Effects on People
These harmful chemicals got into the drinking water of nearby counties. After testing blood samples, Alabama was investigated for water contamination. Even though the levels of PFOA and PFOS were low, warnings were given. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can cause serious health problems.
To remove these chemicals, the EPA suggests special filters. These include Activated carbon filters or high-pressure membrane filters. This shows that extra steps are needed to make the water safe. People were confused about what to do. This was because officials had different ideas and there wasn't enough clear information.
Lawrence County Water
Lawrence County, Alabama, in North Alabama, was affected by the chemicals. The West Morgan-East Lawrence Water Authority serves this area. The West Lawrence Water Co-op also uses water from this system. So, all of Lawrence County was affected.
Lawrence County has a diverse population. In 2015, the median income for Lawrence County was $40,003. About 18.7% of the people lived in poverty. This was lower than the state's median income of $53,889. The state's poverty rate was 13.5%.
Morgan County Water
Morgan County, Alabama, also in North Alabama, had PFOA and PFOS pollution. The West Morgan-East Lawrence Water Authority serves parts of Morgan and Lawrence counties. The company 3M is thought to have caused some of the pollution. This happened at their manufacturing plant in Decatur, a city in Morgan County.
In 2015, the average income for Morgan households was $45,751. This was less than the state average of $53,889. About 16.1% of people in Morgan County lived below the poverty line. This was higher than the state average of 13.5%.
Environmental Groups Helping
After the EPA's health warning, two environmental groups started helping. They worked with people in Lawrence and Morgan counties. The group Tennessee Riverkeeper sued 3M on February 15, 2017. They wanted 3M and other groups to be responsible for cleaning up the pollution.
Another group, New York Environmental Law & Justice Project, is also helping. They are working with local groups to raise awareness. They hope to find a solution, possibly through legal action.
Companies' Responses
3M Water Lawsuit
The 3M company, located in Decatur, was a major producer of PFOS and PFOA. 3M said that these materials are common in people and are not harmful. They stated that their own employees, who worked closely with the chemicals, did not show more health problems.
In 2002, 3M stopped making these chemicals on their own. This was because of lawsuits from other companies. The EPA suggested a plan to replace the water system with a carbon filter. After the new EPA health warning in March 2016, the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority sued 3M. They argued that 3M was responsible for the pollution. 3M believes they have worked with agencies like the EPA and that the lawsuit is not needed.
Daikin and its company Dyneon LLC were also sued. They were sued for water contamination in the Tennessee River. Daikin settled their part of the lawsuit for $5 million. This money included $3.9 million for a temporary water filter system. Daikin said they did nothing wrong in disposing of the chemicals. Customers were paid back for their water bills during the "do-not-drink" warning.
Similar Incidents
Decatur, Alabama Pollution
The high levels of PFOA and PFOS found in 2016 were not new. In 2007, the EPA tested water in Decatur, Alabama. This was because of industrial activity by 3M, Daikin America, and Toray Carbon Fibers America. The levels of chemicals were below what the EPA considered safe at that time. However, blood tests showed that people in Decatur had slightly higher levels of PFOA and PFOS in their blood. The EPA wanted to keep an eye on this.
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Parkersburg, West Virginia, is a community with lower incomes. In 2004, blood tests showed high levels of PFOA in people's blood. A DuPont Teflon plant near Parkersburg was identified as the likely source. It was found that the DuPont plant had polluted the local water. People were advised to drink filtered water. Studies have shown that PFOA can cause health problems.
Hoosick Falls, New York
Hoosick Falls is a town in New York. In January 2016, the EPA told people there to use bottled water. This was after PFOA was found in their water. The pollution was in both public and private water supplies. Companies like Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and Honeywell International were believed to be the sources.
These two companies were held responsible. They offered to pay over $1 million to cover the cleanup costs. A special carbon filter system has been installed. Government officials still want the companies to pay for cleaning up the pollution.
North Bennington, Vermont
North Bennington, Vermont, is a community with lower incomes. After PFOA pollution was found in nearby Hoosick Falls, New York, North Bennington also found contamination. The company Chemfab was identified as the likely source. The Vermont Department of Health offered blood tests to residents. This was because PFOA levels were higher than their health warning level.
New Jersey Water Systems
In 2006, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection studied water systems. They wanted to see if PFOA and PFOS contamination was present. They focused on water systems near companies that made or used these chemicals. Of the 23 systems tested, 65% had PFOA and 30% had PFOS.
In September 2016, chemicals were found in Merrimack County water. This county also has lower incomes. Starting in January 2017, Ocean and Burlington counties asked for testing. Ocean County has lower incomes, while Burlington County does not.
