Fort Campbell, straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, has become a focal point in the national discourse on PFAS contamination due to its extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).
Developed in the 1960s through a collaboration between the U.S. Navy and 3M, AFFF was engineered to rapidly suppress high-intensity fuel fires, a critical need for military operations.
The foam’s effectiveness led to its widespread adoption across military installations, including Fort Campbell, where it was routinely employed in firefighting training exercises and emergency responses.
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects.
Despite early indications of PFAS toxicity, the Department of Defense continued using AFFF for decades.
By the 1980s, internal studies had revealed environmental and health risks associated with PFAS, yet the military maintained its reliance on AFFF due to a lack of viable alternatives.
Recent investigations and PFAS testing have uncovered significant contamination from certain PFAS in the groundwater at Fort Campbell.
A study released by the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection in April 2024 identified Christian County, home to a portion of Fort Campbell, as having the highest PFAS levels in the state.
These findings have raised concerns about potential exposure among military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.
The situation at Fort Campbell reflects a broader issue affecting numerous military installations nationwide.
The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military installations with known or suspected PFAS releases, primarily attributed to AFFF usage.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), levels of PFAS chemicals and other contaminants at Fort Campbell are as follows:
- PFOA: 3,700 ppt
- PFOS: 2,200 ppt
- Combined PFOA and PFOS: 5,900 ppt
- PFBS: 460 ppt
Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Drinking Water at Fort Campbell?
Exposure to PFAS in drinking water at Fort Campbell is a significant concern due to the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) during firefighting drills and emergencies.
Over time, PFAS from AFFF seeped into the soil and groundwater, potentially affecting those who lived or worked on the base.
Nearby communities that rely on private wells or unmonitored water sources may also be at risk from these toxic substances.
Groups Potentially Exposed to PFAS at Fort Campbell:
- Active-duty military personnel: Soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell during AFFF usage.
- Military families: Families living in on-base housing who may have used contaminated water.
- Civilian employees and contractors: Individuals working on the base for extended periods.
- Veterans: Those previously stationed at Fort Campbell who may have been exposed.
- Nearby residents: Communities relying on private wells near the base.
- Children and pregnant women: Particularly vulnerable groups due to developmental risks linked to PFAS.
Are PFAS Chemicals in Public Drinking Water Systems or Wells Near Fort Campbell?
Recent investigations have revealed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in both public drinking water systems and private wells near Fort Campbell.
In August 2023, the Army reported combined PFOS and PFOA levels of 33.7 parts per trillion (ppt) in the base’s finished drinking water, which, while below the previous EPA health advisory of 70 ppt, exceeds the EPA’s updated recommended maximum of 4 ppt.
These findings have raised concerns about potential exposure among military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.
In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army have initiated a joint project to sample and test private drinking water wells near Army installations, including Fort Campbell, to assess PFAS contamination levels and inform necessary remedial actions.
