Between 2013 and 2019, PFAS compounds were detected in several drinking water systems at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), including the Eureka Springs Water System, Pre Ranger Water System, Range 7 Water System, and the Fort Bragg – Old North Utilities Services.
The highest total PFAS concentration recorded during this period was 84.1 parts per trillion (ppt), encompassing various compounds such as PFBS, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, and PFHpA.
PFAS levels detected at Fort Bragg, as reported by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) are as follows:
- PFBS 2013-2019: 9.0
- PFHxS 2013-2019: 24.1
- PFHxA 2016-2019: 5.4
- PFOS 2013-2019: 22.7
- PFOA 2013-2019: 25.6
- PFHpA 2013-2014: 13.0
- PFHpA 2016-2019: 6.4
These findings indicate that the drinking water systems at Fort Bragg may contain PFAS concentrations well above the current federal safety standards, raising concerns about potential health risks for service members and residents.
Sources of PFAS at Fort Bragg
The primary source of PFAS contamination at Fort Bragg is the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) during firefighting drills and training exercises.
AFFF, which contains high concentrations of PFAS chemicals, was used extensively to combat fuel fires during military operations.
Over the years, these chemicals have seeped into the soil and groundwater, contaminating the surrounding drinking water systems and posing long-term environmental and health risks.
Other military operations at Fort Bragg, including maintenance and cleaning activities, have contributed to the widespread contamination.
As these toxic chemicals continue to persist in the environment, the long-term effects on human health and the surrounding ecosystems are becoming increasingly evident.
Despite the base’s closure and transition to civilian use, the legacy of PFAS contamination at Fort Bragg continues to affect local communities and military personnel.
Impacted Populations at Fort Bragg
The populations most affected by PFAS contamination at Fort Bragg include military service members, their families, and local residents.
Military personnel stationed at Fort Bragg, especially those involved in training exercises that used AFFF, are at high risk of exposure to PFAS chemicals.
The contamination also extends to civilians living near the base who may have used contaminated water systems or consumed PFAS-laced water.
Vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, face an even greater risk due to their heightened sensitivity to the harmful effects of PFAS.
As these chemicals accumulate in the body over time, the potential for developing serious health issues increases.
Addressing PFAS Contamination at Fort Bragg
Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Fort Bragg are ongoing, with both local and federal agencies working to reduce exposure and clean up the affected water systems.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) have taken steps to monitor contamination levels and develop strategies to mitigate the impact on public health.
In response to the contamination, the Army has implemented several remediation measures, including installing filtration systems designed to remove PFAS chemicals from the affected water supplies.
Due to the persistent nature of these “forever chemicals,” full remediation remains a challenge.
The cleanup process is expected to take years, requiring significant investment in both time and resources.
Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Fort Bragg
The PFAS contamination at Fort Bragg is part of a larger pattern of pollution affecting military bases across the United States.
These chemicals, often used in firefighting foam and other military applications, have led to widespread contamination of water supplies, soil, and air.
The implications of this contamination extend far beyond the military base, affecting local communities and ecosystems.
As PFAS chemicals have been detected in groundwater, drinking water, and even wildlife, the environmental impact of this contamination is profound.
In some cases, PFAS exposure has led to bioaccumulation in fish and other aquatic species, disrupting local ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.
The contamination of public water systems has forced local communities to turn to alternative drinking water sources, exacerbating the challenges posed by these toxic chemicals.
As more military sites are identified with PFAS contamination, the need for comprehensive remediation efforts and stronger environmental protections becomes more urgent.
The Fort Bragg situation serves as a stark reminder of the environmental and public health risks posed by these persistent chemicals, highlighting the importance of continued legal action and community advocacy.
