The Navy will test private drinking water wells around the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, for possible chemical contamination.
The tests are to determine whether PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals,” used by the Navy may have migrated through groundwater to the wells at levels greater than EPA guidelines.
Captain Todd Moore is the commanding officer of the submarine base and says they have identified a small number of private water wells outside the base.
“Our best estimate is there are three drinking water wells within the sampling site. Purpose of this public venue is to do our best to inform the public and to identify if there are any other concerned citizens or potential wells in the areas. ”
Wells says that if any contamination is found, the Navy will deal with it.
“The Navy will take immediate action if any of this private drinking water well sampling exceeds the health advisory levels for PFAS. Let me be clear, we’re committed to identifying and stopping exposures to PFAS in drinking water from our past activity.”
PFAS is commonly found in firefighting foam used by the military and the aviation industry. The chemical can also be found in non-stick cookware, pizza boxes and textile sprays used to treat fabrics and carpet.
Earlier this year the Farmington River in Connecticut was heavily contaminated with firefighting foam after it was discharged into the river from Bradley Airport.
