Chemours Seeks to Expand PFAS Production Amid Community Concerns

Chemours, the chemical company long tied to contamination of the Cape Fear River, has applied to increase production of vinyl ethers—including PFAS compounds like PFA—at its Fayetteville Works Plant in Bladen County, North Carolina. The revised permit application has raised alarm among environmental advocates, who warn that increased production could worsen downstream water pollution and affect local drinking water quality. PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been linked to cancers and other health issues.

Kemp Burdette of Cape Fear River Watch criticized the plan, saying it’s reckless to expand production before fully understanding the extent of existing contamination. Chemours, however, asserts that the expansion will not increase pollution and emphasizes that vinyl ethers are critical for technologies like semiconductors, batteries, and defense systems. The company also plans to install additional carbon filtration units to mitigate emissions. Meanwhile, North Carolina regulators are reviewing the application, and federal moves to roll back PFAS regulations could benefit the company.

22-09-2025