North Carolina Sues Chemical Company for Polluting a Nearby Creek

North Carolina sued Brenntag, a chemical distributor, on March 18, 2024, for allegedly polluting Ellerbe Creek in Durham with hazardous chemicals. The lawsuit, filed by the North Carolina Department of Justice, seeks to compel Brenntag to clean up the contamination and pay penalties. Since 2023, the city of Durham has already fined Brenntag $157,000 for multiple water quality violations stemming from its facility on South Briggs Avenue. These violations include the release of acetone, ethanol, and 1,4-dioxane, substances that can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. State investigators have documented "mucilaginous goo" and other pollutants entering Ellerbe Creek, a vital water source for the region. The lawsuit aims to hold Brenntag accountable for its environmental impact and ensure the remediation of the affected waterway, which is crucial for local ecosystems and public health.