New study has people living in Duplin County alarmed by levels of chemicals in water

DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — A new study from the Cape Fear River Watch shows fish tissue samples from the Northeast Cape Fear River have PFO levels 20 times greater than some state requirements.

These fish were taken from Kenansville. PFOs are a part of a group of forever chemicals known as PFAs that have been linked to major health problems.

People used to swim, fish, kayak and do all sorts of things in this river. Now, some are too scared of the health effects.

Representatives with Lear’s Textile Company in Kenansville told the Department of Environmental Quality they use PFAs in their fabric finishing process for some of their products. They said that may result in PFAs in waste streams. Exposure to the chemicals have been linked to cancers, reduced vaccine responses and developmental defects.

Cape Fear River Watch’s fish tissue samples were taken just five miles downstream from Lear’s site.

“I cannot in good conscience invite anybody to go down the river or invite them to fish for would throw the fish back and, you know, not eat, or kayak or play, or, you know, anything like that,” Jessica Robinson of Kenansville said. “It’s just been, it’s been devastating to say the least for sure.”

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