Harnett County commissioners approved a major $110 million investment during their May 4 meeting aimed at reducing PFAS contamination in the county’s drinking water supply. The move comes as communities across central North Carolina face increasing pressure to meet new federal water quality standards tied to so-called “forever chemicals.”
Commissioners also approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers and adopted a controversial social media comment moderation policy during the same meeting.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Concern?
PFAS — short for polyfluoroalkyl substances — are synthetic chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down in the environment or the human body.
These chemicals can enter waterways through industrial manufacturing, firefighting foam, landfills, and wastewater runoff.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has adopted stricter PFAS drinking water standards that counties must meet by 2031.
According to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the Chemours plant near Fayetteville has been identified as a major source of PFAS contamination impacting the Cape Fear River basin — a critical water source for Harnett Regional Water customers.
That connection has made PFAS contamination an urgent issue for residents and businesses throughout Harnett County.
Breakdown of the $110 Million PFAS Cleanup Project
County officials outlined the estimated costs for the water treatment improvements:
- $95 million — Construction
- $10 million — Administrative costs
- $5 million — Contingency reserve
How the Project Will Be Funded
Harnett County plans to finance the project using:
- $90 million in USDA and State Revolving Fund loans
- $20 million from Harnett Regional Water reserves
County leaders say the financing structure helps reduce the immediate impact on taxpayers while addressing long-term public health concerns.
Harnett County Places Moratorium on Data Centers
Following a lengthy public hearing, commissioners voted to implement a one-year moratorium on data centers, data processing facilities, and cryptocurrency mining operations.
Board Chairman Duncan Jaggers said the county’s current Unified Development Ordinance does not specifically address large-scale data center development, leaving officials without clear regulatory guidelines.
County Manager Brent Trout referenced Lee County’s recently adopted data center rules as a possible framework for future regulations.
The moratorium gives county staff time to draft zoning and development standards before potential projects move forward.
New Social Media Comment Policy Sparks Debate
Commissioners also approved a new policy allowing moderation and possible removal of comments on county-operated social media pages.
The policy was approved without public discussion at the request of the county’s public information officer.
Critics argue that government social media pages function as public forums, raising concerns about First Amendment protections, selective enforcement, and public records retention requirements.
Under North Carolina law, government social media activity may qualify as an official public record.
Supporters of moderation policies generally point to the need to remove spam, threats, or inappropriate content. However, opponents worry broad or vague language could lead to inconsistent enforcement.
Why This Matters Across the Sandhills
PFAS contamination is becoming a growing concern across the Sandhills region, including Moore County, Lee County, Harnett County, and communities connected to the Cape Fear River basin.
As counties work to comply with new EPA standards and modernize aging water infrastructure, projects like Harnett County’s $110 million investment could become increasingly common across North Carolina.
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