ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) Robeson County officials are worried the chemical, GenX, will contaminate water in the county.
Director of the Robeson County Health Department, Bill Smith, said GenX is used to make Teflon and that The Chemours Company facility in Fayetteville is the source of the chemical.
Smith also said The North Carolina State Department of Environment along with labs contracted by Chemours are testing bodies of water near the plant for GenX.
“So it’s only a matter of time before it’s going to be in Robeson County.” Smith said GenX has been found in Cape Fear River which causes him to fear the contaminant is on its way to Robeson County.
He said there has to be another source of GenX because Chemours said it has stopped its contamination.
“Something is still continuing to change the amount going into the river and they’re not discharging any so what is it?” The Robeson County Health Director said he believes the state will test Robeson County early next year.
He said he suggests residents wait until the state does a test on the water, before residents pay for a test themselves.
Either Bladen has to come in or Cumberland comes down or Robeson goes up so that’s your true solution,” Smith continued.
He said GenX in honey is not as serious as GenX in water.
Smith said if GenX is found in Robeson County, the Robeson County Health Department will work with property owners on the wells.