Speakers offer views to EPA at public hearing in Asheboro

ASHEBORO — Asheboro’s challenge to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s quest to put discharge limits involving water treatment at the city’s plant drew a variety of speakers and legal consultants to last week’s public hearing.

The hearing, conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, was held at Randolph Community College.

At issue is the 1,4-dioxane that has passed through the system, which provides water for about approximately 1 million locations after discharged from Hasketts Creek and then to Deep River eventually reaching Cape Fear River. Multiple counties in the eastern part of North Carolina receive drinking water connected to the Cape Fear River.

Representatives of environmental groups demand that discharge limits be put in place and water be filtered prior to reaching Asheboro’s system.

The 1,4-dioxane is described as a likely carcinogen.

In 2016, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality imposed discharge restrictions on wastewater facilities in Asheboro, Greensboro and Reidsville, identifying them as major contributors to the chemical’s presence in the state’s waterways.

Asheboro challenged that with a lawsuit, in part saying this put financial burdens on the city’s wastewater facilities and various industries in the region.

A judge ruled in favor of the city. This ruling led to an increase in Asheboro’s 1,4-dioxane discharges.

Nick Coco, identified as a former DEQ staff member, spoke at the hearing. He said the ruling that allowed 1,4-dioxane limits to be nullified was “dangerous and inconsistent with science.”

Several of the speakers said that Asheboro is passing the problem downstream rather than having the issue dealt with at the source of the problem. It’s a matter of protecting clean water, speakers said in testimony that at times became emotional.

“EPA’s objection gives the state a chance to strengthen its protections for families who depend on the Cape Fear River for drinking water,” said Jean Zhuang, senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Based on EPA concerns, part of the dispute involves the judge’s interpretation of the Clean Water Act.

Asheboro officials have said they’re following legal decisions that have been made.

Written comments will be accepted through the end of October by emailing to [email protected]