Stormy Bost, a resident of Calhoun in northwest Georgia, grew up drinking tap water and playing in local creeks. Years later, she discovered the water contained toxic PFAS chemicals, linked to her liver and thyroid conditions. Her blood tests showed levels above national health guidelines.
PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' were used by the region's carpet mills for stain resistance. Wastewater containing these chemicals was discharged into rivers, including the Conasauga, which supplies drinking water. The state's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) knew of the contamination as early as 2008 but did not issue public warnings.
A 2008 University of Georgia study found 'staggeringly high' PFAS levels in the Conasauga River. The EPD told manufacturers it would not take action. Subsequent state tests in 2012 and 2016 confirmed the findings, yet no advisories were issued. Federal tests in 2019 still detected PFAS.
When Alabama requested help tracing PFAS that had migrated into their drinking water, Georgia's EPD was defensive and did not commit to further monitoring. Records show the agency failed to respond to letters from Alabama in 2017 and 2018.
The lack of action left residents like Bost unaware of the risks. Research links PFAS to cancer, liver damage, and thyroid disease. Without federal limits, states have authority to protect public health, but Georgia did not act.
