PFAS Discharges from Chemours Plant Raise Concerns as EPA Lags in Enforcement

A West Virginia chemical plant, Chemours’ Washington Works, continues to discharge hazardous PFAS chemicals into the Ohio River at levels exceeding safety standards, despite a 2023 federal agreement to reduce contamination. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body, posing serious health risks.
Water utilities in Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, have reported spikes in PFAS levels linked to the plant’s discharges. Chemours has consistently violated its wastewater permit since at least 2022, according to EPA data. The permit’s limits are based on outdated health guidelines, and experts criticize them as inadequate.
EPA’s enforcement has been criticized as lacklaid, with delays in reviewing Chemours’ proposed plans to address PFAS discharges. The agency’s budget cuts and staff reductions under the Trump administration further complicate efforts to hold the company accountable.
Chemours, which spun off from DuPont in 2015, has faced lawsuits and regulatory challenges over its PFAS emissions. While the company claims to have ceased intentional PFOA production, it continues to use GenX, a similarly harmful chemical.
Environmental advocates and water utility directors urge stronger enforcement and updated regulations to protect communities downstream. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has pledged to address PFAS contamination, but questions remain about the agency’s capacity to enforce stricter controls amid staffing shortages and budget constraints.
As concerns grow over the long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure, the need for decisive action from federal and state regulators becomes increasingly urgent.

Published: 5/19/2025