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Cannon Air Force Base Investigates PFAS Spill, Sparking Environmental Concerns
Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico is investigating a 7,000-gallon spill of chemically contaminated water containing PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which poses environmental and health concerns for the surrounding community.
A Civil Air Patrol Glider is on display during the Cannon Air Force Base Air, Space, and Tech Fest at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M, May 27, 2018. The glider was one of many static displays at the show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Vernon R. Walter III/Released)
Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico is investigating a significant environmental spill after 7,000 gallons of chemically contaminated water containing PFAS, or "forever chemicals," leaked into a retention pond over the summer. The spill, which occurred between July 9 and July 15, has raised concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of the toxic substances.
The contaminated water, which was used in firefighting foam, contained PFAS, a group of chemicals linked to various health conditions, including kidney and testicular cancer, increased cholesterol levels, and changes in liver enzymes. The spill happened at the fire training area on base, and thousands of gallons of water containing PFAS leaked into a nearby retention pond.
"We understand the concerns of our community, our airmen, and their families," Col. Robert Johnston, the 27th Special Operations Wing and Cannon Air Force Base commander, said in a news release. “Please know that we are working expeditiously to address the affected area. We are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.”
The Air Force has found that 191 of its 204 installations and sites have released PFAS into the environment since 2015, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. The contaminated water involved in the July spill was part of the Department of the Air Force's effort to eliminate legacy PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) from its inventory.
Base officials have assured that wells providing drinking water for the base are located upstream and are not affected by the release. However, the incident has sparked concerns about the potential impact on off-base wells and the surrounding environment. The base is sampling the area to assess the environmental impact and has appointed a task force to review environmental compliance training and policy.
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The New Mexico Environment Department has announced that it will offer free PFAS blood tests to residents who have lived or worked in the area around the base. The Department of the Air Force is expected to provide a public update on its efforts and investigation into the PFAS leak on November 12.
The incident comes as the Environmental Protection Agency has set new standards for PFAS, which the Air Force will adhere to. However, the service has also sought to dodge some instances of environmental contamination, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that restricts regulatory agencies.
