On July 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army announced a joint project to sample and test private drinking water wells near Army installations for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative aims to inform remedial actions if PFAS is detected in drinking water, as contamination may affect nearby residents.
The nationwide project has prioritized nine out of 235 installations for initial sampling. As preliminary work concludes, further installations will be considered for expansion. The EPA and the Army are collaborating to ensure public safety from potential PFAS exposure originating from these sites. This program represents another step in EPA’s ongoing efforts to mitigate health risks posed by “forever chemicals.”
The designated installations include:
- 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 & Tennessee)
- Fort Liberty (North Carolina)
- Fort Sill (Oklahoma)
- McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (Oklahoma)
“PFAS pose significant risks to drinking water supplies and public health, which is why the EPA and the Army are testing water from wells in communities near Army installations to determine if these dangerous forever chemicals are polluting drinking water,” said David M. Uhlmann, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Members of the military, their families, and surrounding communities deserve access to clean, safe drinking water. EPA welcomes the opportunity to share our expertise and work with the Army on this important project, which will help advance EPA’s PFAS National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative.”
“The Army commenced a comprehensive program in 2017 to identify potential PFAS releases at hundreds of Army and Army National Guard installations across the country. These initial investigations, completed by the Army in 2023, were instrumental in narrowing the focus to 235 locations where we will proceed with more in-depth investigations,” said Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment. “For the nine installations that are part of our joint pilot program with EPA, the Army has already begun more in-depth investigations. The Army welcomes EPA’s collaboration as it continues to evaluate whether PFAS from past Army activities has impacted our neighboring communities and if so, takes steps to mitigate those impacts.”
If sampling indicates that PFAS levels exceed new Maximum Contaminant Levels established by EPA, further actions will be coordinated with state regulators.
PFAS are persistent chemicals found worldwide due to their extensive use. They have been detected at many federal facilities including military sites where they were used in firefighting foam.
EPA and the Army will provide updates on their respective websites as information becomes available. Residents concerned about PFAS can refer to EPA’s guidance on home filters.
Biden-Harris Administration Takes Critical Action
The Biden-Harris Administration has undertaken several initiatives under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap since its launch in 2021:
1. Established first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for six PFAS.
2. Dedicated $10 billion through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for addressing PFAS contamination.
3. Designated two widely used PFAS as hazardous substances under Superfund regulations.
4. Released updated Interim Guidance on destroying or disposing of PFAS-containing materials.
5. Finalized a rule preventing new manufacturing or processing of certain PFAS compounds.
These measures aim at controlling sources of contamination, holding polluters accountable, ensuring science-based decisions, advancing environmental justice, and protecting disadvantaged communities.
