A court has ordered a North Carolina chemical company to keep pollution out of a Durham creek system that ultimately drains to Jordan Lake, a major source for drinking water for communities across the Research Triangle.
As WRAL News reported, the company in question, Brenntag Mid-South, agreed to a preliminary injunction that requires it to halt the polluted releases, identify where the contamination is originating, and prepare a cleanup plan for the site while the state’s lawsuit continues.
What happened?
On behalf of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Attorney General Jeff Jackson sued Brenntag, WRAL reported, alleging the company violated state water quality laws by allowing contaminated groundwater and other pollutants to enter an unnamed tributary of Third Fork Creek, which flows into Jordan Lake.
The dispute stems from an anonymous complaint made in April 2025 that accused the Durham facility of chemical leaks, chemical dumping, and poor housekeeping, according to WRAL.
WRAL reported that state inspectors later found chemicals in leaking drums and other such tanks. Officials also said black water was collecting near a stormwater outfall before moving into the tributary.
Samples gathered over several inspections showed violations of state surface water standards, including dissolved oxygen levels low enough to endanger fish and other aquatic life. WRAL also said contamination was detected farther downstream, including near Burton Magnet Elementary School and Burton Park.
Court records show DEQ had previously instructed Brenntag to find the source of the contamination, evaluate the risks, and submit a corrective action plan. Even after getting extensions, the company missed the March 2026 deadline for that plan.
Why does this matter?
North Carolina designates Third Fork Creek and its tributaries as Water Supply V, meaning they’re protected drinking water sources. The creek is also within the Jordan Lake watershed, which supplies water to communities across the area.
According to WRAL, groundwater testing described in the court filing found several contaminants above state standards. Newer surface water samples still showed violations nearer to the facility, even though some conditions had improved.
The City of Durham put up warning signs advising people not to wade, swim, or fish in affected sections of Third Fork Creek.
What’s being done?
Brenntag has until the middle of August to submit a revised site assessment that pinpoints the contamination source, estimates the amount of pollution being discharged, and assesses possible risks to human health and the environment.
From there, the company must submit its plan to stop the discharges by the beginning of September. It also must replace temporary fencing along the creek.
According to WRAL, Brenntag further agreed to keep monitoring surface water conditions and reimburse the City of Durham for warning signs placed along impacted stretches of Third Fork Creek.
“We now have a court order to stop the contamination of this water in Durham, and we’re going to make sure it is followed to the letter,” Jackson said in a statement.
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