The article discusses the ongoing issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals”, being discharged into the Ohio River by Chemours’ Washington Works plant in West Virginia.

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• Despite a landmark agreement with the Biden administration in April 2023 to contain these chemicals, Chemours continues to release PFAS at levels considered unsafe.
• Water utilities downstream, including those in Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, are alarmed by the PFAS discharges, as these cities draw drinking water from the Ohio River.
• The Washington Works plant has been discharging PFAS since 1951 and is one of a dozen U.S. plants producing these substances, which are valued for their resistance to heat, oil, and water.
• Chemours has exceeded the limits set in its wastewater permit for PFOA and GenX, both toxic “forever chemicals,” since at least January 2022.
• Experts criticize the permit limits as weak and based on outdated health guidance.
  The West Virginia Rivers Coalition has filed a lawsuit against Chemours for violating its permit.
• The article raises concerns about the EPA’s ability to enforce regulations effectively, especially given budget and staff cuts under the Trump administration.
• Chemours’ initial plan to manage PFAS waste was rejected by the EPA for potentially threatening groundwater and violating West Virginia law.
• The article notes that West Virginia issued Chemours a second wastewater permit, enabling increased production of Teflon and causing more pollution, despite objections from residents and environmental groups.