DOVER, Del.- After taking responsibility for the contamination of four private wells last summer, the Dover Air Force Base says it is likely responsible for two more wells contaminated with PFAS discovered this week.
The U.S. Air Force and Dover Air Force Base announced Tuesday that they had notified Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control that preliminary water testing results for two wells near the base have possible elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
The preliminary findings indicate concentrations of these chemicals about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's lifetime health advisory for these substances. The official test results are expected within the next 30 days.
"Dover Air Force Base is committed to protecting the community surrounding the base, and is taking an active approach in protecting the drinking water supplies of those affected. Our top priority is providing clean drinking water to those affected," said said Sargent Charles Broadway, a Dover AFB spokesman.
"The Dover Air Force Base will continue its joint effort with local agencies as part of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which governs the process to investigate the extent of the contamination, evaluate risk, and determine response actions. This process, which promotes accountability, community involvement and long-term protectiveness, includes other federal and state regulator coordination and public involvement," he added.
PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) are part of a group of synthetic chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in a variety of products that over time have become widely distributed in the environment. These chemicals have been found at Dover AFB and other air bases and airports in firefighting foam. The USAF and EPA have been working with DNREC and DPH to determine the impacts of PFOS and PFOA on private wells in proximity to the base.
Since those preliminary results came back positive for PFOS, the base has delivered bottled water to the two properties effected.
Homeowners and businesses just down the road from the Air Force Base say they face constant worry that their well water might also be contaminated.
"Next door is contaminated, three doors down is contaminated," pointed out Larry Clarke, who has lived on Bay Road, just down from the Air Force Base, for the last 33 years.
Clark says he no longer drinks the water from his tap because he's concerned his well could be next, after watching his neighbors find their wells had been compromised.
His well was just tested for PFOS, and now he is waiting anxiously for the results.
"They just came out recently and checked it, we haven't gotten the results back yet, but hopefully they'll send it to us soon," said Clark. Looking next door, he pointed to the vacant home that once housed renters. "The last tenants, they had to move because the well was contaminated, and then they sold the building since then."
Just a little further down the road, a strip mall containing a laundromat, a barber shop, a specialty grocery store and a restaurant were all effected by a contaminated well last July. The base delivers cases of bottled water to the businesses each Monday. Tropical Delight, a Caribbean food restaurant, said they go through six to seven cases a day to have clean water to drink and cook with.
A long-term solution is still months away. Mayor Robin Christensan says that it could take up to 14 months.
"The project will take anywhere between 10 to 14 months. The federal government will pick up the entire tab," explained Christensan, who said the city is now in the planning phase of getting water lines out to Bay Road.
"I'm very concerned. While these people live outside the city limits, they are our neighbors. The first order of business is to get these people potable drinking water that's safe and clean for them, their businesses, and their families to use," said Christensan.
Until then, many people who live near the base will be in limbo, and relying on bottled water.
