A Global Chemical Giant Racks Up Violations in Durham, N.C., Where Drinking Water for a Million Is Threatened

Inside Climate News · By Lisa Sorg · last updated March 4, 2026 – 12:05 AM

Acetone, ethanol, 1,4-dioxane and methylene chloride were among contaminants found in a stream near Brenntag Mid-South’s chemical repackaging facility.

By Lisa Sorg

DURHAM, N.C.—Brenntag Mid-South continues to amass serious environmental violations related to its chemical repackaging plant in East Durham, where state inspectors cited the company in November for failing to clean up leaking barrels on the property.

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