DURHAM, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2025) — Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ), the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic (ELPC), and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) submitted a joint public comment letter to the N.C. Division of Water Resources, urging stronger protections in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal for the former Alcoa Badin Works facility.
Alcoa — originally the Aluminum Company of America — purchased the town of Badin in 1916 and operated an aluminum smelter there until 2010. The smelting process generated hazardous waste that was buried in open pits on-site and throughout the nearby West Badin community. For decades, West Badin’s predominantly African American residents have borne the brunt of this contamination.
Because the site continues to discharge pollutants into surrounding water bodies, Alcoa is required to maintain an active NPDES permit governing wastewater and stormwater releases. The groups’ letter calls for critical improvements to ensure that the permit adequately protects public health and the environment.
“The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DEQ) must strengthen the draft permit through several key improvements,” the comment letter states. “Among their recommendations was the urgent call for the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Department of Waste Management (DWM) to work together because pollution from the facility continues to spread into the community and local water bodies at an alarming rate. Strategizing and taking action are needed to solve the ongoing pollution issue.
Read full comment letter here.
At the August 19, 2025, public hearing, SCSJ Environmental Justice Attorney Aiswarya Murali urged the NC DEQ to create a publicly accessible dashboard integrating Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and NPDES data. Such a tool would give West Badin families real-time warnings, plain-language guidance, and verifiable evidence that pollution is being reduced over time.
“The North Carolina Environmental Justice Network sees this level of transparency as one of the most important improvements DEQ can make to win back the trust of the West Badin community as they face disproportionate risks from legacy contamination,” Murali said.
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Southern Coalition for Social Justice, founded in 2007, partners with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities in the South to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights through the combination of legal advocacy, research, organizing, and communications. Learn more at southerncoalition.org and follow our work on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
