In response to stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, the Department of Defense is escalating its efforts to address PFAS contamination in and around military bases.
Patricia Kime reports for Military.com.
In short:
- The Department of Defense is set to broaden its scrutiny and cleanup of PFAS chemicals in military bases' drinking water after the EPA set stricter standards.
- More than 700 military installations have been evaluated since 2016, with many needing further action due to contamination by firefighting foams and other products.
- The new EPA rules lower the allowable limits for key PFAS compounds, pushing for more extensive cleanups and safety measures.
Key quote:
"DoD has been preparing to implement the final rule for both our on-base DoD drinking water systems and within our cleanup program."
— Robert Ditchey, Pentagon spokesman.
Why this matters:
By investing in remediation efforts now, the DoD can potentially avoid higher future costs associated with more extensive contamination and health claims.
Given these factors, the Department of Defense is motivated to intensify its initiatives to monitor, control, and clean up PFAS contamination, ensuring the safety and health of both military and civilian populations.
