DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Following Wednesday’s Dayton City Commission meeting, the city manager praised Wright Patterson’s response to prevent drinking water contamination from previous firefighting activity on the base.
“We’re very pleased to see Colonel McDonald’s response with regards to they share our sense of urgency.
They do have some plans moving forward,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein.
In part, Col. McDonald said, “The Air Force is committed to protecting human health and the environment and we are working aggressively to ensure our installation and surrounding communities have access to safe drinking water.” In 2015, inspectors found traces of toxic chemicals linked to foam previously used as a firefighting technique on the base.
As a precaution to prevent contamination into groundwater through the nearby Huffman Dam, the city shut down seven underground wells.
The base detailed its ongoing inspections and efforts to replace any remaining extinguishers and response vehicles using AFFF.
Col. McDonald also said the Air Force is planning a more thorough inspection this summer to determine whether more actions are necessary.
“We know well in advance if there’s some issue,” Dickstein said.
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