The DoD doesn't have PFAS under control — now the OIG has been called in

PFAS
Photo credit DVIDS

Perflouroalkyl and Polyflouroalkyl Substances — or PFAS — has contaminated water at an estimated 400 military sites. Now, an investigation has been launched into how the Department of Defense is working to control that contamination.

The Department of Defense's Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation was requested by members of Congress back in July. The investigation, slotted to begin in February, aims to evaluate steps DoD has taken to: 

  • Identify, mitigate, and remediate contamination from PFAS at DoD installations
  • Identify and inform populations exposed to PFAS at DoD installations of the associated health and safety concerns

PFAS chemicals exist in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, fast-food wrappers, water-resistant clothing, and nail polish. On military installations, PFAS chemicals can be found in abundance in the firefighting foam known as aqueous film-forming foam of AFFF. In May of 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a recommendation for no more than 70 parts per trillion level of PFAS in drinking water.

More than 400 military installations exceed this level of contamination. 

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"Medical experts have found PFAS chemicals to be extremely hazardous to human health," the July letter requesting an OIG investigation reads. "Thus, we are concerned about the public health impact of PFAS on not only service members and their families living on or near military bases, but also on citizens in surrounding communities."

The letter came from the office of Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., with the signatures of 31 additional members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. 

"Simply, it appears the scope of the problem far outweighs the current allocated resources and focus of the DoD, despite Congress’ attempt to provide additional resources for clean-up," the letter adds. 

Last summer, Defense Secretary Mark Esper established the PFAS Task Force to address the growing problem of contamination on military installations. 

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"Our most important resource is our people," Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Bob McMahon said. "We have a responsibility to take care of our people, their families and the communities where we serve."

The PFAS Task Force is expected to release findings from its own ongoing investigations soon. 

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