Recent data published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has revealed dangerously high PFAS concentrations in groundwater at Fort Sill, a major military installation in Oklahoma.
Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in Fort Sill groundwater in 2020:
- PFOS: 160,000 ppt
- PFOA: 200,000 ppt
- PFOS + PFOA: 360,000 ppt
- PFBS: 6,100 ppt
These levels far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for both PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, raising serious concerns about long-term exposure risks and environmental impact.
The data underscores the need for urgent action to address PFAS water contamination and reduce exposure for military personnel, civilians, and families living in or near Fort Sill.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at Fort Sill
The primary source of PFAS contamination at Fort Sill is the repeated use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a specialized firefighting foam historically used on military sites to extinguish jet fuel and chemical fires.
During decades of training exercises, emergency responses, and routine operations, PFAS-containing AFFF seeped into the soil and leached into groundwater, contributing to the widespread PFAS-contaminated water at the installation.
Additional sources of PFAS pollution may include runoff from training areas, storage and disposal of PFAS-containing products, leaks from firefighting equipment, and residual contamination from historic chemical releases.
These toxic substances—specifically PFOS, PFOA, and other polyfluoroalkyl substances—are extremely resistant to natural degradation and can persist in water systems and the environment for decades.
Because Fort Sill is a critical U.S. Army installation, the contamination not only affects military infrastructure but also poses a growing environmental and public health crisis for the region.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Fort Sill
A wide range of individuals may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals at or near Fort Sill.
This includes active-duty military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and military families who lived or worked on the base when AFFF use was widespread.
People who consumed or used contaminated drinking water from on-base drinking water systems or nearby private drinking water wells are at particular risk.
Surrounding communities relying on affected groundwater may also face elevated health risks due to long-term PFAS exposure.
Documented health consequences linked to PFAS exposure include thyroid disease, immune system disruption, developmental delays, and certain types of cancer such as kidney and testicular cancer.
Given the confirmed PFAS contamination and high PFAS levels detected in water sources at Fort Sill, addressing the contamination through a comprehensive environmental response is essential to protecting public health.