The City of Durham closely monitors stormwater runoff to ensure the safety of the people who live and work in the area. As part of that normal monitoring process, in 2023 the city identified a black fibrous material in Third Fork Creek and in an area near East Durham where Brenntag Mid-South and many other businesses operate. City leaders asked the company to investigate.
While the source of the material is not known, it is possible it is the result of manufacturing in this area from many decades or even a century ago, when this area was home to a large textile mill and other industrial operations.
Additionally, Brenntag’s consultants completed a surface water and groundwater sampling event in mid-August 2023. That evaluation found toxicity test failures and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Given the fact that Brenntag has been disposing of all of its process water since 2023, these results indicate that there is likely a complex source to the problem that may or may not be on Brenntag Mid-South’s property.
Brenntag Mid-South committed to the City of Durham that it would continue its investigation and, in coordination with the city, host a website to pass on relevant information to the community and be a central resource for gathering additional data.
With more than 75 employees from the Durham area who work at Brenntag Mid-South, we are committed to improving the quality of life and contributing to the improvement of the community where we all live, work and play.