Testing conducted at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, has revealed dangerously high levels of PFAS contamination in the groundwater, sparking serious concerns for public health and environmental safety.
Lowry Air Force Base (Denver, CO) – PFAS Levels in Groundwater (2016):
- PFBS: 72 ppt
- PFHpA: 90 ppt
- PFHxS: 475 ppt
- PFNA: 3,630 ppt
- PFOA: 344 ppt
- PFOS: 341 ppt
- PFOS + PFOA: 685 ppt
Buckley Annex is located adjacent to the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, and was once part of the larger Lowry military installation.
While Lowry AFB was officially closed in the 1990s, the Buckley Annex continued to support administrative and defense functions before its closure and redevelopment.
Given their shared history and physical proximity, PFAS contamination at one site likely influenced groundwater conditions at the other, raising concerns for overlapping environmental exposure across the area.
Buckley Annex (Denver, CO) – PFAS Levels in Groundwater (2022):
- PFBS: 1,150 ppt
- PFHxS: 8,170 ppt
- PFNA: 847 ppt
- PFOA: 1,530 ppt
- PFOS: 19,900 ppt
These PFAS concentrations are thousands of times higher than new EPA drinking water standards, raising serious risks for surrounding communities relying on these water sources.
Sources of PFAS at Lowry Air Force Base
The primary source of PFAS contamination at Lowry Air Force Base is the historic use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a specialized firefighting foam used extensively on military installations.
AFFF contains high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are highly resistant to breakdown in the environment.
Over decades of fire training exercises, emergency responses, and maintenance operations, large quantities of these toxic substances were released into the soil and groundwater.
Additional contributions likely stem from industrial chemical use and waste disposal practices common at military sites during the mid-20th century.
Together, these activities have left a persistent legacy of PFAS pollution in the area.
Impacted Populations at Lowry Air Force Base
Those most at risk from PFAS contamination at Lowry Air Force Base include former military personnel, civilian employees, and local residents living in or near the former installation and the Buckley Annex.
Individuals relying on private drinking water wells or public water supplies potentially affected by PFAS exposure face heightened risks of serious health conditions such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and immune system suppression.
Vulnerable groups — including pregnant women, infants, and those with compromised immune systems — may experience an even greater increased risk of long-term health effects.
As groundwater flows and contamination migrates, surrounding communities beyond the immediate base footprint are also at risk.
Addressing PFAS Contamination at Lowry Air Force Base
Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Lowry Air Force Base are ongoing but remain complex and challenging.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with local agencies and the Department of Defense, has initiated PFAS testing, environmental assessments, and risk evaluations.
Full remediation remains a significant undertaking, requiring more comprehensive groundwater treatment systems, expanded testing of private wells, and long-term health monitoring of impacted residents.
Advocates are calling for stricter oversight, faster cleanup timelines, and transparent communication about potential health risks, urging a more aggressive response to reduce PFAS levels and safeguard drinking water supplies.
Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Lowry Air Force Base
The contamination at Lowry Air Force Base underscores the broader national crisis of PFAS pollution at military installations across the United States.
Sites like Lowry highlight the dangers of prolonged use of synthetic chemicals without sufficient environmental protections or public health safeguards.
They also demonstrate the urgent need for more research, stricter regulation of PFAS chemicals, and proactive environmental cleanup strategies.
As scientific studies continue to reveal the serious health risks and potential health effects linked to PFAS exposure, communities across the country — particularly those near former and active military sites — are demanding action to prevent future harm and protect future generations.