Air Force agrees to EPA order on Portsmouth wells

Air Force officials stated this week that they would comply with an EPA order to clean up contaminated wells at the former Pease Air Force Base.  

In spring of 2014, high levels of perflourochemicals (PFCs) were detected in the Pease Haven Well. The EPA calls PFCs “a contaminant of emerging concern”. The chemicals have been potentially linked to a range of health disorders, but there is not yet any conclusive evidence of health risks. Blood tests on children and adults exposed to water from the Haven well showed higher than average levels of PFCs.

The nearby Harrison and Smith wells were also contaminated, but at levels below EPA thresholds. The chemicals are believed to have come from a firefighting foam used by the Air Force when Pease was an active military installation.

In July, the EPA ordered the Air Force to bring PFC levels at the Haven well below EPA thresholds and to design and implement a treatment system for the Harrison, Smith and other neighboring wells that would keep PFC levels low in case contaminants migrated from the Haven well.

Air Force officials initially stated their intention to comply with the order, but in late August a representative of the EPA told reporters that the Air Force had submitted notification of their intent to dispute it under the federal facilities agreement. This week’s reversal of that position eliminated fears that a legal battle would delay action on the wells.

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