North Carolina sues Brenntag over alleged water contamination in Durham. Jun 9, 2026 The North Carolina Department of Justice and the Department of Environmental Quality filed a lawsuit against Brenntag on June 9, alleging that the company is contaminating state waters at its Durham facility. Attorney General Jeff Jackson said, "Brenntag has had plenty of time and opportunity to clean up its act so that our water doesn't get contaminated - it hasn't. Clean water is a universal right, and we're taking Brenntag to court to protect our water and clean up the damage they've already done." DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said, "Residents of Durham, and across this state, deserve clean water. It's our job as the state environmental agency to ensure that companies are following the law, and today we take another step toward ensuring that for those living downstream of this facility." According to the complaint filed by state officials, Brenntag is accused of violating North Carolina's water quality laws by endangering an unnamed tributary to Third Fork Creek. This creek passes Burton Magnet Elementary School before flowing through Burton Park and ultimately reaching Jordan Lake. The lawsuit asks the court to require Brenntag to submit a plan within 30 days to eliminate surface water discharge from its facility and remediate past contamination. In April 2025, DEQ received an anonymous complaint regarding chemical leaks, dumping practices, and poor housekeeping at Brenntag's Durham location. Inspectors found chemicals stored in drums and tanks - some leaking or compromised - and observed contaminated groundwater accumulating around the site with evidence of contaminants entering a local tributary. Water samples confirmed violations of surface water standards. Although DEQ issued a notice requiring immediate action from Brenntag, subsequent inspections found continued violations with no corrective action plan submitted by the company. The North Carolina State Executive Attorney General aims to prevent crime, assist law enforcement, protect consumers, defend residents' rights statewide, represent agencies in court proceedings including criminal appeals, and handle regulatory matters for North Carolina government entities such as legal representation or consumer protection services - all functions outlined on the official website.

The Chlorine Institute recognizes Mike Croke with Peter mayo award and names Ken Jones an Honorary Member. Mike Croke (right) accepting Peter M. Mayo award from John Eskew (left) at the CI Annual Meeting in Houston, TX Ken Jones, former CI Board Chair, speaking at CI's 100th Anniversary Celebration in New Orleans, LA in 2024 Chlorine Institute Logo CI honors Mike Croke of JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. and Ken Jones of Brenntag North America, Inc. for leadership and lasting contributions to safety. ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES, April 3, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / - The Chlorine Institute (CI) is pleased to announce that Mike Croke, Vice President of the Southern Region of JCI Jones, is the recipient of the Peter M. Mayo Award. At the same time, it was announced that Ken Jones, of Brenntag North America, Inc. has been named an Honorary Member of The Chlorine Institute for his outstanding contributions to the industry. These awards were presented by CI Board Chair Mr. John Eskew (Occidental Chemical Corporation) at the Institute's 2026 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX. Established in 2005, the Peter M. Mayo Award honors the legacy of Peter M. Mayo - a longtime CI member, former Chair of the Storage and Transport Committee, and a steadfast advocate for safety who contributed more than 30 years of service to the Institute. The award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies exceptional dedication, collaboration, and commitment to advancing safety across the chlor-alkali value chain. This year's recipient has built a distinguished career marked by operational expertise, leadership, and an ongoing commitment to safety. Over the past 13 years, he has played a vital role on CI's Emergency Preparedness Issue Team (EPIT) and currently serves as its Chair, contributing extensively to CI's CHLOREP and TRANSCAER training programs. His leadership was particularly evident during one of CI's largest TRANSCAER hazardous materials training events, held in Charlotte in 2025, which brought together 212 emergency responders from 29 organizations. Through mentorship, hands-on instruction, and a genuine commitment to strengthening partnerships between industry and first responders, he has embodied CI's mission and values while helping to make the industry safer and more resilient. For his outstanding service, leadership, and advocacy for safety, The Chlorine Institute is proud to recognize Mike Croke of JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. as the 2026 recipient of the Peter M. Mayo Award. The Chlorine Institute also recognized a distinguished leader with one of its highest honors - Honorary Membership in The Chlorine Institute. Honorary Membership is among the most distinguished recognitions The Chlorine Institute offers. Across 101 years, only 14 individuals have earned this honor, reserved for those whose enduring service and dedication have significantly strengthened the Institute and its mission. Honorees are nominated and elected by the CI Board of Directors. Honorary Membership is reserved for individuals whose service leaves a meaningful and enduring mark. Through years of leadership and dedication, this recipient has exemplified the values and mission of The Chlorine Institute. In recognition of his service, leadership, and commitment to CI, The Chlorine Institute is proud to welcome Ken Jones of Brenntag North America, Inc. as its newest Honorary Member. The Chlorine Institute exists to support the chlor-alkali industry in advancing safe, secure, environmentally compatible and sustainable production, distribution and use of its mission chemicals: chlorine, sodium and potassium hydroxides, sodium hypochlorite, the distribution of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and the distribution and use of hydrogen chloride. Visit us online at: www.chlorineinstitute.org.

Brenntag expands GBS in Łódź. Germany-based Brenntag SE is expanding its business services footprint in central Poland, with growing Shared Services activity in the Łódź region (Zgierz). Zaneta Leduchowska is taking the role of Head of the Center. Recent job listings confirm Brenntag is building out core SSC functions, including: * P2P (Accounts Payable & T&E) roles * Order-to-Cash (Credit Control) analysts * Senior finance positions with SSC experience required