Plattsburgh Air Force Base (AFB) in New York has been identified as a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, particularly in groundwater.
The primary contributor to this pollution is the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting training and emergency response, a common practice at military installations.
AFFF contains high concentrations of PFAS, which are persistent environmental pollutants linked to various health issues.
Environmental studies have revealed alarmingly high levels of PFAS in the groundwater at Plattsburgh AFB.
Combined concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been measured at 1,045,000 parts per trillion (ppt), placing the base among the most contaminated military sites in the United States.
This contamination poses a significant threat to the surrounding environment, including the Lake Champlain Basin.
PFAS from the base have been detected in the Salmon River, which flows into Lake Champlain, raising concerns about the broader ecological impact and potential exposure risks for local communities.
In response to these findings, the Air Force has initiated investigations to assess the extent of the contamination and its potential impact on public health.
This includes PFAS testing private wells in the vicinity of the former base.
In some instances, elevated levels of PFAS have been detected, leading to the provision of alternative water sources and the installation of filtration systems for affected residents.
Despite these efforts, the persistence and mobility of PFAS in the environment present ongoing challenges for remediation.
The situation at Plattsburgh AFB underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address PFAS contamination at military sites nationwide, to safeguard environmental and public health.
According to data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), levels of certain PFAS chemicals and other contaminants identified at Plattsburgh AFB are as follows:
- PFOA: 981,000 ppt
- PFOS: 70,300 ppt
- Combined PFOA and PFOS: 1,045,00 ppt
- PFBS: 15,800 ppt
- PFHpA: 18,300 ppt
- PFHxS: 607,000 ppt
- PFHxA: 3,640 ppt
Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Drinking Water at Plattsburgh AFB?
Plattsburgh Air Force Base (AFB) historically sourced its drinking water from on-site wells tapping into local aquifers.
However, due to environmental concerns, including potential contamination, the base’s groundwater was not used as a drinking water source.
In the surrounding communities, particularly near the former base, private wells have been identified as being at risk of contamination.
Notably, four private drinking water wells were impacted, with three exceeding New York State’s PFAS levels, leading to the state providing filtration systems for these wells.
The base’s contamination has affected the Lake Champlain Basin, with PFAS detected in the Salmon River, which flows into Lake Champlain, raising concerns about broader ecological impacts and potential exposure risks for local communities
Individuals who lived or worked at Plattsburgh Air Force Base (AFB) or in nearby communities may have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated groundwater and private wells.
Groups Potentially at Risk or at Risk in the Past:
- Military personnel stationed at Plattsburgh AFB
- Families of military personnel living on base
- Civilian employees and contractors working on base
- Residents near the base who use private wells
- Nearby communities relying on unmonitored water sources
- Veterans previously stationed at Plattsburgh AFB
Plattsburgh AFB: Among the Hundreds of Military Sites with Dangerous PFAS Contamination
The former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York is among numerous U.S. military installations grappling with significant PFAS contamination.
The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military sites with known or suspected releases of these toxic chemicals, primarily from the extensive use of firefighting foams.
At Scott AFB, testing has revealed PFAS levels in groundwater that far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory limits, raising concerns for both military personnel and nearby residents.
The health implications of PFAS exposure suffered by military service members are severe, with links to cancers, thyroid disease, liver damage, and immune system suppression.
Communities surrounding military bases, including Scott AFB, have reported contaminated drinking water supplies, leading to increased health risks and prompting legal actions against manufacturers and the military.
Cleanup efforts are underway at many sites, but the persistence of PFAS in the environment makes remediation challenging and costly.
The ongoing contamination at military bases like Scott AFB underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address PFAS pollution and protect public health.
What is the EPA Standard for PFAS Levels in Water?
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Biden Administration established the first national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for six specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
EPA Issued PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are:
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): 4 ppt
- PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 10 ppt
- PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonate): 10 ppt
- HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals): 10 ppt
- PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate): Regulated through a Hazard Index approach
The Hazard Index is a tool used to evaluate the combined risk of exposure to multiple PFAS when they co-occur in drinking water. It accounts for the additive effects of these chemicals, ensuring that the total exposure does not exceed safe levels.
These PFAS regulations aim to protect public health by reducing exposure to these persistent chemicals, which have been linked to various adverse health effects, including certain cancers, liver damage, and immune system impacts.
Public water systems are required to monitor for these PFAS and take necessary actions to comply with the established MCLs.
