Joint Initiative Tackles PFAS Contamination at Military Sites
The U.S. Army and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have launched a collaborative project to test water contamination levels of harmful “forever chemicals” near military installations nationwide. This initiative aims to address the growing concern over per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, which has been linked to various health issues and environmental problems. By combining the resources and expertise of the military and environmental regulators, this project has the potential to provide a comprehensive assessment of PFAS contamination and its impact on communities surrounding military bases.
5 Key Points
- A joint project between the U.S. Army and EPA to test PFAS contamination
- Initial focus on nine priority Army installations out of 235 locations
- Testing of private drinking water wells near military sites
- Army to implement remedial measures if PFAS levels exceed EPA limits
- Potential expansion of the program based on initial results
Understanding PFAS and Their Military Use
PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of synthetic compounds used in various products for their heat, oil, stain, grease, and water-resistant properties. These chemicals have been utilized extensively in military operations, particularly firefighting foam for extinguishing fires. The persistent nature of PFAS has led to their accumulation in the environment, including in groundwater and soil at many federal facilities and military sites.
The term “forever chemicals” aptly describes the durability of PFAS. These compounds are characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them highly resistant to environmental degradation. This persistence means that once PFAS enter the ecosystem, they can remain there for decades or centuries, potentially contaminating water sources and entering the food chain.
In military contexts, PFAS have been widely used in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a highly effective fire suppressant used to combat fuel fires. While AFFF has been crucial for safety in military operations, its use has led to significant environmental contamination, particularly in areas where regular firefighting training exercises were conducted.
The extensive use of PFAS in military applications has raised concerns about potential contamination of water sources near Army installations. The EPA has noted that these chemicals have been found in groundwater and soil at numerous federal facilities, including military sites. This widespread presence has prompted the need for comprehensive testing and mitigation efforts.
Priority Testing Sites and Methodology
The joint project has identified an initial list of nine Army installations for priority testing:
- Fort Novosel, Alabama
- Fort Hunter Liggett – Parks Reserve Forces Training Area, California
- Fort Stewart, Georgia
- Fort Stewart – Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia
- Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky
- Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Tennessee
- Fort Liberty, North Carolina
- Fort Sill, Oklahoma
- McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Oklahoma
These installations were likely chosen based on historical use of PFAS-containing materials, proximity to populated areas, and preliminary environmental assessments indicating potential contamination. The selection of these sites for initial testing suggests that they may represent areas of particular concern or serve as representative samples for broader military PFAS contamination issues.
The testing will involve sampling and analyzing water from private water wells near these installations. This approach focuses on the most direct route of human exposure to PFAS contamination – drinking water. By targeting private wells, the project aims to assess the impact on local communities that may not be served by larger, more closely monitored municipal water systems.
The sampling and analysis procedures will likely follow strict EPA guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency across all testing sites. This may involve collecting water samples at various depths and locations, using specialized equipment to detect even trace amounts of PFAS, and employing certified laboratories for analysis.
Health and Environmental Risks of Military PFAS Contamination
The presence of PFAS in drinking water and the environment poses significant health risks to military personnel and surrounding communities. The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has identified these “forever chemicals” as potential causes of various health problems, including:
- Increased cholesterol and blood pressure
- Diminished immune function
- Reproductive problems
- Heightened risk of certain cancers
Recent studies have also suggested potential links between PFAS exposure and other health issues, such as thyroid disorders, liver damage, and developmental problems in children. The long-term effects of chronic low-level exposure to PFAS are still being researched, adding urgency to identifying and mitigating contamination sources.
The environmental impact of PFAS contamination extends beyond human health concerns. These chemicals can accumulate in plants and animals, disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity. Aquatic environments are particularly vulnerable, as PFAS can concentrate on fish and other marine life, affecting the entire food chain.
Challenges in PFAS Remediation and Mitigation
The persistence of PFAS in the environment presents significant challenges for remediation efforts. As Maaike van Gerwen, director of research for the Department of Otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains, “Because of the ubiquitous presence of PFAS in our environment, including water, soil, and food, almost the entire population is exposed daily, and it is thus difficult to completely avoid exposure.”
Traditional water treatment methods often do not remove PFAS, requiring specialized and usually expensive treatment technologies. Soil contamination can be even more challenging, potentially requiring excavation and specialized treatment or containment strategies.
Suppose PFAS levels exceed the maximum contaminant levels set by the EPA. In that case, the Army will collaborate with state regulators and the EPA to implement measures to mitigate public exposure and address the contamination. These remedial actions could range from providing alternative water sources to affected households to implementing large-scale water treatment systems or environmental cleanup efforts.
Expanding the Scope: The Future of PFAS Testing at Military Sites
While the initial focus is on nine Army installations, the joint project has the potential for significant expansion. Once the testing at these priority locations is completed, the Army and EPA will evaluate additional installations to determine whether the program should be extended to other sites.
This evaluation will likely consider factors such as the severity and extent of contamination found at the initial sites, the effectiveness of remediation efforts, and the potential risk to nearby communities. The results from these first nine installations could inform a more comprehensive national strategy for addressing PFAS contamination at military sites nationwide.
The findings from this project could contribute significantly to the broader scientific understanding of PFAS contamination and its impacts. This knowledge could inform future regulatory decisions, guide the development of more effective remediation technologies, and help shape public health recommendations for communities affected by PFAS contamination.
This initiative represents a crucial step in addressing the long-standing issue of PFAS contamination related to military activities. By combining the resources and expertise of the Army and EPA, the project aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the problem and implement effective remediation strategies. As the program progresses, it may serve as a model for addressing similar environmental challenges within the military and other sectors where PFAS contamination is a concern.
