 Well Empowered A project of the NC Center for Environmental Risk Analysis (NC-CERA, UNC-Chapel Hill Superfund Research Program) & local affiliates of Appalachian Voices Caroline Armijo Residents for Coal Ash Cleanup in Belews Creek Neasha Graves NC-CERA

1.Introductions 2.Toxic metals in NC wells 3.Local setting 4.Collaborative project scoping 5.Unique contributions Presentation Overview

Biomedical projects Influence of toxic metals on diabetes and preeclampsia Influence of PCBs on melanoma risk Environmental science projects Bioremediation of PAH- contaminated soil Passive sampling devices for use in water & sediment NC-CERA Program Director: Rebecca Fry, PhD Funded by NIEHS (P42ES )

Engaging impacted communities Sharing science with stakeholders NC-CERA Director Rebecca Fry presents on health impacts of toxic metals to Wayne County Board of Commissioners UNC SRP trainee shares information on toxic metals in well water with well owner. NC-CERA Program Director: Rebecca Fry, PhD Funded by NIEHS (P42ES005948)

Coal Ash Contamination In NC Coal ash from Dan River spill Photo sources: Winston Salem Journal, GP-USA

Belews Creek Steam Station

Impacted Communities in Stokes County, NC Sources: Google Maps, US Census communities surround plant Substantial black population First EH inquiries began in 2010 Belews Creek Steam Station  Walnut Cove Pine Hall Belews Creek

Birth of community organization -Appalachian Voices affiliate Longtime concern over safety of drinking water -Heightened concerns from DO NOT DRINK orders Emerging research confirms ponds of leaking Residents for Coal Ash Cleanup in Stokes County Photo source: Appalachian Voices

Scoping the Project Community pursuit of information on health and environmental implications Plan to document presence of toxic contaminants and address remedies Photo source: NC CERA

Well Empowered Overview Online and in-person surveys to understand: Well water use Community concerns Local knowledge Survey participants: Adult residents who get drinking water from private wells Sample up to 60 homes: water from the faucet soil near the home urine samples from adults in the home Analysis to determine whether toxic metals are present Share information with community Phase 1 - SURVEY Phase 2 - SAMPLING  Both phases currently undergoing review by the UNC IRB

Unique Contributions Characterizing extent of toxic metals contamination 1 st time NC community is actively shaping research on toxic metals and well water Addressing potential connections between well, soil, and biological samples Photo of a community workshop, Chatham with Vengosh/Fry Photo source: Appalachian Voices

NC-CERA Funded by NIEHS (P42ES ) Thank you! For more information, please contact: Neasha Graves Caroline Armijo