GenX Response: Activist Groups Unite Forces.
WILMINGTON – When the news broke in June that GenX and other chemicals had been detected in the Cape Fear River and the area’s treated drinking water, it was a call to action for many, both new and experienced environmental activists.
“It always takes this kind of crisis to get people thinking about those things they usually take for granted,” said Kemp Burdette, who has been the Cape Fear Riverkeeper with the Cape Fear River Watch for eight years.
“It makes people pay attention to the kinds of serious problems we have with the way we allow polluters to contaminate the water.” This summer, concerned residents have organized rallies and forums to help focus efforts to address the problem.
The Wilmington group, Stop GenX in Our Water, has a Facebook following of more than 9,000 members and recently helped organized events with well-known activist Erin Brockovich.
“We thought it would be better to unite,” said Emily Donovan, who formed the group along with Burdette and six others.
“We could pool our resources and experience.” Clean Cape Fear members represent grassroots organizations such as Women Organizing for Wilmington, or WoW, along with scientists and politicians.
Contaminated water offers more reasons to bring awareness about environmental issues.
“But there has been progress.” Clean Cape Fear, Maxwell said, will continue to push for transparency and more open meetings regarding GenX and continue to reach out to local politicians.
Another of Clean Cape Fear’s priorities has been distributing information, including flyers, to those who might not have access.