Washington officials and residents are demanding clearer answers and faster action from the U.S. Army over PFAS contamination near the Yakima Training Center, where “forever chemicals” continue to taint groundwater and threaten public health.
Manuel Villa and Isabella Breda report for The Seattle Times.
In short:
- Washington state leaders accuse the U.S. Army of withholding data, missing deadlines, and failing to fully disclose the scope of PFAS contamination affecting homes near the Yakima Training Center.
- Despite installing filtration systems at 55 homes, the Army has not shared GPS data or confirmed how many households still lack access to safe drinking water; some homes show PFAS levels far exceeding federal limits even after treatment.
- Residents continue to report health concerns, financial burdens, and communication failures, prompting calls for community oversight and blood testing to assess personal exposure risks.
Key quote:
“The real question is will the Army follow state cleanup law. And they’ve never answered that question.”
— Greg Caron, manager of Washington’s hazardous waste and toxics reduction program
Why this matters:
Used for decades in firefighting foam and industrial processes, PFAS are now linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system damage. When they seep into groundwater — as they did near the Yakima Training Center — they can enter drinking water and the food chain, with long-term health consequences for nearby residents. Exposure come through home-raised eggs, meat, and even air or dust. With growing evidence of harm and limited federal oversight, local communities often face uphill battles to get basic protections and answers from polluters, including powerful institutions like the military.
Read more: Military bases struggle with pervasive PFAS contamination
