A chemical plant in West Virginia is once again under scrutiny for polluting local waterways with harmful PFAS, often called “forever chemicals.” Despite past legal battles and regulatory efforts, new allegations claim that the contamination persists, raising concerns for public health and environmental safety.
A Long-Standing Problem
The facility at the heart of the issue, Washington Works, has been a source of PFAS pollution for decades. This plant, now operated by Chemours, was previously part of DuPont and has faced lawsuits over its environmental impact. In the early 2000s, legal actions exposed the dangers of PFAS exposure, linking these chemicals to serious health conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders.
While past cases led to significant financial settlements, pollution from the plant has not stopped. A new lawsuit claims that since early 2023, the facility has been discharging PFAS levels far above the limits set by regulatory agreements. The contamination affects the Ohio River, a vital water source for thousands of residents in the Parkersburg area.
Legal Action Against Chemours
The latest lawsuit, filed by the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, accuses Chemours of repeatedly violating pollution limits. Among the chemicals released are PFOA and GenX, both of which have been identified as hazardous even at low exposure levels.
Despite federal orders requiring Chemours to take corrective action, the company has reportedly failed to comply. The lawsuit argues that this inaction not only endangers water quality but also limits residents’ ability to use the river for recreational activities.
Chemours has responded by stating that the issue is being addressed through existing regulatory processes. The company claims it is working with officials to renew its discharge permits and comply with environmental guidelines. However, critics argue that past assurances have not translated into real action.
Community Frustration and Corporate Influence
For many residents, the ongoing pollution is a source of deep frustration. Some of the original plaintiffs from earlier lawsuits have spoken out, emphasizing that the problem has persisted for more than two decades.
Chemours remains a major employer in the region and invests heavily in local initiatives. This has created a divide in public opinion, with some residents supporting the company despite its environmental track record. Others believe corporate influence has allowed pollution to continue unchecked.
Critics argue that financial interests often take priority over public health. Legal experts involved in past cases say that lawsuits remain the only effective tool for holding the company accountable, as regulatory agencies have been slow to act.
A History of PFAS Controversy
The concerns surrounding PFAS pollution at Washington Works date back to the late 1990s. Initial suspicions arose when livestock near the plant exhibited health problems. Further investigations revealed alarmingly high levels of PFAS contamination in the surrounding environment.
A class-action lawsuit in 2004 resulted in a $70 million settlement. Rather than distributing the funds directly to affected residents, the money was used to conduct an in-depth health study. The findings confirmed links between PFAS exposure and multiple diseases, strengthening the case against DuPont and Chemours.
By 2017, the companies had settled additional lawsuits for a combined $671 million, while also agreeing to install water filtration systems in impacted areas. More recently, Chemours settled with the state of Ohio for $110 million to address pollution concerns tied to the Washington Works plant.
The Fight Continues
Despite past legal victories, PFAS contamination remains a pressing issue. The latest lawsuit is being pursued under the Clean Water Act, allowing citizens to seek enforcement when regulatory agencies fail to act. It demands that Chemours be held accountable for each day it has violated pollution limits, with potential penalties reaching tens of millions of dollars.
Beyond financial penalties, the primary goal is to stop the pollution altogether. Advocates argue that without stronger enforcement, history will continue to repeat itself.
Government agencies have acknowledged that Chemours is violating environmental laws, yet meaningful enforcement actions have not been taken. This has left residents and advocacy groups to push for change through the courts.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges of addressing industrial pollution. Even after decades of lawsuits, scientific studies, and regulatory efforts, PFAS contamination from the Washington Works plant continues.
For affected communities, the stakes remain high. Without stronger enforcement, residents may continue to face long-term health risks. As legal proceedings move forward, the case serves as yet another reminder of the struggle to balance corporate interests with environmental and public health protections.