Chemicals found in Fairchild wells not used for drinking water

Chemicals found in Fairchild wells not used for drinking water.
Five groundwater wells on Fairchild Air Force Base that are not used for drinking tested high for dangerous chemicals found in firefighting foam, prompting further tests of drinking water sources in the area.
Those findings were part of a water contamination test that has triggered a nationwide review.
The military is testing water at about 400 bases and found problems at more than three dozen, according to an analysis by the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News.
The Army has not begun, according to the news report.
The branches and the Pentagon say they are coordinating, but have varying responses on how many bases must be tested, and limited information about remediation timelines and cost.
The chemicals found at Fairchild during the water tests were from past use of fire suppression foam that contain perfluorinated compounds.
After those test results were reported in March, base officials began contacting nearby residents for permission to test their private wells.
“Once we’ve assured that you’re talking eight years to get yourself to a remediation solution.” Contamination has been found near 27 military bases in 16 states, according to the Air Force, Navy, and Army.
The Air Force, Navy, and Army say they have similar plans: First, they will sample bases where the foam, known as aqueous film-forming foam, may have been used, then assess whether remediation is needed.

Learn More