The West Virginia Rivers Coalition has initiated legal action against Chemours, filing a federal lawsuit over violations of water pollution regulations in Wood County. The case was filed on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to the complaint, Chemours has failed to fulfill its obligations under a 2023 agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address pollution stemming from its Washington Works plant near Parkersburg. The EPA previously determined that the facility discharged PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," into the Ohio River at levels exceeding those permitted by its discharge limits.
The coalition is seeking immediate enforcement of the EPA’s 2023 Compliance Order, as well as civil penalties amounting to $66,000 per day for each violation. Additionally, the group aims to recover the court costs incurred during the legal proceedings.
Autumn Crowe, Deputy Director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, said: “PFAS contamination poses a direct threat to public health and our waterways. Chemours has had ample time to comply with its discharge permit, yet these violations persist. This lawsuit is our response to the company’s refusal to prioritize clean water and public health.”
Newly appointed Executive Director of WV Rivers, Jennie Smith, stated: “In 2024, it is outlandish for a corporation to continuously flout the Clean Water Act and state water quality standards. Chemours’ actions show a disregard for the law and the health of our communities. Our coalition is standing firm, demanding accountability, and working to ensure that corporations like Chemours are held to the highest standards of compliance.”
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are highly persistent chemicals linked to serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental disorders. These compounds, often called "forever chemicals," remain in the environment for extended periods and pose significant challenges for remediation.
Chemours, in a public statement, responded to the lawsuit by affirming its commitment to being a “good neighbor.”
“Our rivers and communities deserve better,” Smith concluded. “This legal action sends a clear message: no one is above the law, and no one can jeopardize our health and environment without consequences. Together, we will safeguard clean water for generations to come.”
