Tainted Water Found in DuPont Plant's Well

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported Monday that levels of a cancer-causing chemical have more than doubled in well water on the property of DuPont's Fayetteville Works plant in Bladen County.

Posted 9:41 p.m. Mar 31, 2008 — Updated 1:18 a.m. Apr 1, 2008

ELIZABETHTOWN, N.C. — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported Monday that levels of a cancer-causing chemical have more than doubled in well water on the property of DuPont's Fayetteville Works plant in Bladen County.

DENR has been monitoring the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid, or C8, in the well. The level increased from 7 parts per billion in 2006 to 17 parts per billion last year.

The state is investigating the reason behind the increase. A spokeswoman said Monday that recent drought conditions may have played a role.

Terry Gooding from DuPont's Richmond, Va., office said there is no indication that the well with the high sample is affecting groundwater outside the 2,200-acre plant.

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