Military Forever Chemicals: Army and EPA Join Forces to Address PFAS Contamination

Michael S on August 3, 2024

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:

  1. Fort Novosel, Alabama
  2. Fort Hunter Liggett – Parks Reserve Forces Training Area, California
  3. Fort Stewart, Georgia
  4. Fort Stewart – Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia
  5. Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky
  6. Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Tennessee
  7. Fort Liberty, North Carolina
  8. Fort Sill, Oklahoma
  9. 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.

4th US Circuit Court Rejects Environmental Groups’ PFAS Lawsuit Against EPA

Michael S on June 17, 2024

Split Decision Favors EPA in Dispute Over Forever Chemicals Testing

In a 2-1 ruling, the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a lawsuit filed by four environmental groups against the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the testing of PFAS, or “forever” chemicals, at a Chemours facility south of Fayetteville, North Carolina. The decision affirms US District Judge Richard Myers’ earlier ruling in favor of the EPA. The lawsuit, brought by the Center for Environmental Health, Cape Fear River Watch, Clean Cape Fear, and Toxic Free NC, argued that the EPA had effectively denied their petition to require testing of 54 PFAS chemicals at the Chemours plant, which they claim have polluted the Cape Fear River, a source of drinking water for over 300,000 residents in Wilmington, North Carolina.

5 Key Points

  • The environmental groups petitioned the EPA to require testing of 54 PFAS chemicals at the Chemours plant.
  • The EPA granted the petition but opted to use its own National PFAS Testing Strategy instead of the proposed testing strategy.
  • The EPA’s plan would cover 39 of the 54 listed chemicals in the first phase and additional testing.
  • The 4th Circuit majority agreed that the EPA’s plan did not amount to rejecting the petition.
  • Judge James Wynn dissented, arguing that the EPA’s decision not to include 15 chemicals rendered it a partial denial.

EPA’s National PFAS Testing Strategy

The EPA had developed a National PFAS Testing Strategy before granting the environmental groups’ petition. This strategy aimed to deepen the understanding of the impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment. When issuing its decision, the EPA relied on this protocol, explaining that attempting to research each PFAS chemical individually would make it impossible to understand and address the risks they may pose expeditiously. The first phase of the EPA’s plan would cover 30 of the 54 listed chemicals, with the possibility of additional testing covering nine more chemicals mentioned in the petition.

Majority Opinion and Dissent

The 4th Circuit majority, consisting of Appeals Court Judge Steven Agee and Senior US District Judge John Gibney, agreed with Judge Myers that the EPA’s plan did not constitute a rejection of the environmental groups’ petition. Judge Agee noted that although the petitioners would prefer localized testing, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) does not promise that an agency will limit testing to a particular geographic area or facility. Instead, it ensures that the manufacturer must develop the necessary information when a petitioner identifies a data gap regarding a potentially harmful chemical.

However, Appeals Court Judge James Wynn dissented partly, arguing that the EPA’s decision not to include 15 chemicals listed in the petition rendered its decision a partial denial subject to de novo review. Wynn stated that because the EPA effectively denied the petition for those 15 chemicals, he respectfully dissented from the portion of the majority opinion that concluded otherwise.

Implications for PFAS Testing and Regulation

The 4th Circuit’s decision has significant implications for the testing and regulating PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to various health concerns and environmental contamination. While the environmental groups’ lawsuit aimed to compel more localized testing at the Chemours plant, the EPA’s broader National PFAS Testing Strategy seeks to address the issue on a larger scale. The ruling highlights the challenges communities and environmental advocates face in holding manufacturers accountable for PFAS pollution and ensuring comprehensive testing and regulation of these persistent chemicals.

Mooresville Police Department Conducts Largest Child Predator Sting in North Carolina History, Arresting 14 Suspects

Daniela P on June 11, 2024

Mooresville NC Police Uncover Extensive Online Child Predator Network

The Mooresville Police Department has made a significant breakthrough in combating internet crimes against children by conducting the most extensive child predator sting operation in the city’s history. The operation, dubbed “Operation Artemis,” resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals who were allegedly involved in the sexual exploitation of minors through various online platforms.

5 Key Points

  • Operation Artemis took place from May 28 to May 30 and involved collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies.
  • The suspects, ranging in age from 25 to 78, used online platforms such as ChatApp, Discord, Facebook, Grindr, and others to target minors aged 13 to 15.
  • Chief Ron Campurciani emphasized that the suspects were fully aware of the ages of the minors they were communicating with, eliminating any possibility of mistaken identity.
  • The operation began six months ago, initiated by software alerts regarding conversations about sexual activities with minors.
  • The suspects face charges ranging from solicitation of a child by computer to sexual exploitation and prostitution of minors.

Chief Campurciani Compares Online Predators to Old-Fashioned Child Luring

During a news conference on Friday, Chief Ron Campurciani drew parallels between the modern dangers of online predators and the traditional methods of luring children. He stressed that these crimes are every parent’s worst nightmare, requiring constant vigilance to protect children from harm.

Extensive Preparation and Collaboration Lead to Successful Operation

The success of Operation Artemis can be attributed to the six months of preparation and the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. Investigators engaged the suspects online, eventually setting up meetings under the guise of arranging sexual encounters. The operation’s meticulous planning and execution were crucial in apprehending the suspects and preventing potential harm to numerous children.

Suspects Hail from Various Locations, Including Out of State

The 14 individuals arrested during the operation came from various locations, with some suspects traveling from as far as Gretna, Virginia. One suspect even drove three hours to meet what he believed was a minor. The wide geographical spread of the suspects highlights the pervasive nature of online child predation and the need for cross-jurisdictional cooperation in combating these crimes.

Disturbing Reality: Predators in Trusted Positions

Among those arrested was a suspect who had previously worked as a bus driver, emphasizing the alarming reality that child predators can be found in positions of trust. This revelation underscores the importance of thorough background checks and the need for increased awareness and education about the signs of child sexual exploitation.

Ongoing Investigations and Potential for More Arrests

Chief Campurciani believed that none of the suspects were first-time offenders, raising concerns about their past actions and the potential for more victims. He warned that additional arrests could follow as investigations continue, highlighting the ongoing nature of the fight against child predators.

The Importance of Vigilance and Collaboration in Protecting Children

The success of Operation Artemis serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies in combating online child predation. As authorities work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice, the community must remain alert and report any suspicious activities to help protect children from harm.