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PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Facts
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Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), located near Rapid City, South Dakota, has been identified as a significant site of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
The primary source of this pollution is the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency responses.
AFFF, known for its effectiveness in suppressing fuel fires, contains high concentrations of PFAS, which are persistent in the environment and resistant to natural degradation.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS Levels Detected at Ellsworth AFB in 2016 were as follows:
- Combined PFOS and PFOA in off-base drinking water: 182 parts per trillion (ppt)
- Combined PFOS and PFOA in off-base groundwater: 33,900 ppt
- PFBS in on-base groundwater: 217,000 ppt
- PFOA in on-base groundwater: 321,000 ppt
- PFOS in on-base groundwater: 1,100,000 ppt
In response to these findings, the Air Force initiated a comprehensive drinking water well survey in areas adjacent to Ellsworth AFB to assess the extent of PFAS contamination in private wells.
Residents whose water sources exceeded the EPA’s advisory levels were provided with alternative drinking water solutions, including bottled water and connections to municipal water supplies.
Specifically, more than 20 off-base residential wells were found to have PFAS concentrations above the EPA’s health advisory levels.
Remedial actions included connecting affected residences to the base water supply or city water systems, installing ion exchange systems at impacted locations, and supplying bottled water where necessary.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain regarding the long-term environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination at and around Ellsworth AFB.
The persistence of these chemicals in the environment necessitates ongoing monitoring, transparent communication with affected communities, and the development of effective remediation strategies to mitigate potential risks.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS Contamination at Ellsworth Air Force Base?
PFAS contamination at Ellsworth Air Force Base has raised serious concerns about exposure risks for individuals on and around the base.
Decades of using PFAS-containing firefighting foam have led to significant groundwater contamination, affecting nearby communities and those working at the base.
Individuals who may be exposed to PFAS contamination at and around Ellsworth Air Force Base include:
- Military members: Personnel stationed at Ellsworth AFB who may come into contact with contaminated water sources during their service.
- Defense civilians: Civilian employees working on the base who might be exposed through occupational activities or consumption of local water.
- Residents of Box Elder: Community members living near the base, particularly those using private wells, some of which have been found to contain PFAS levels exceeding EPA advisories.
- Inhabitants of the Black Hills region: Individuals residing in areas surrounding the base who rely on groundwater that could be affected by the spread of contaminants.
- Facility maintenance workers: Staff responsible for the upkeep of base infrastructure, including firefighting training areas where PFAS-containing foams were historically used.
These groups are at risk due to the historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams at Ellsworth AFB, leading to contamination of local water supplies.
Ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts are essential to mitigate exposure risks for these populations.
Are PFAS Chemicals in Public Drinking Water Systems or Wells Near Ellsworth AFB?
Yes, public drinking water systems and private wells near Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) have been affected by PFAS contamination.
In 2016, the U.S. Air Force detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in private drinking water wells near the base, with some wells showing PFAS concentrations exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) lifetime health advisory levels.
Specifically, 26 private wells outside of Box Elder were found to have PFAS levels at ten times the amount the EPA advises as safe.
The contamination plume, primarily affecting groundwater, is estimated to extend approximately 25 miles from the base.
Ellsworth Air Force Base is Among Hundreds of Military Sites with Extreme PFAS Contamination
Ellsworth Air Force Base is one of over 700 U.S. military installations identified with significant PFAS contamination.
Decades of using firefighting foams containing PFAS have left a legacy of environmental damage, with groundwater and soil contamination posing risks to nearby communities.
These bases, including Ellsworth, face challenges in addressing exposure risks for military personnel, their families, and surrounding residents.
High PFAS levels at many sites underscore the widespread nature of this issue, often leading to health risks like cancer, thyroid disorders, and immune suppression.
The sheer scale of contamination across military facilities highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cleanup efforts and stronger regulatory oversight to protect affected populations.
