Legislation would facilitate better management of PFAS contamination at military bases, airfields, training sites, and other DOD installations
This week, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the bipartisan DOD PFAS Discharge Prevention Act. This legislation would reduce drinking water pollution and exposure to toxic forever chemicals for firefighters, service members, and communities by facilitating better management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at Department of Defense (DOD) installations.
PFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications, firefighting foam, and a variety of consumer products. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid problems, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DOD facilities and subsequent stormwater runoff is a significant source of drinking water pollution, which poses health threats to service members and their families, veterans, and firefighters.
The DOD PFAS Discharge Prevention Act would facilitate the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) at DOD facilities to mitigate PFAS pollution at the source, before it contaminates drinking water. Specifically, the bill would use a small portion of existing PFAS remediation funding to:
- Require DOD to regularly monitor for PFAS at DOD installations; and
- Facilitate the implementation of base-specific BMPs to limit PFAS-laden stormwater runoff at DOD facilities.
“Access to clean, safe water is a human right,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This legislation will not only protect service members, firefighters, and communities from toxic PFAS exposure, but it will also reduce the need for costly PFAS remediation. It’s a commonsense bill, and I look forward to getting it passed.”
This bill is endorsed by the Southern Environmental Law Center.
“Protecting our service members, veterans, firefighters, and surrounding communities from toxic PFAS pollution begins with turning off the tap,” said Jean Zhuang, Senior Attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. “Controlling PFAS at the source using existing law is the most fair and cost-effective path forward. This bill is a win-win: it reduces future cleanup costs, protects public health, and ensures taxpayer dollars are used efficiently to keep our troops and communities safe.”
Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. McClellan (D-VA), Kiggans (R-VA), LaLota (R-NY), Ryan (D-NY), Foushee (D-NC), Lawler (R-NY), Cohen (D-TN), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Tlaib (D-MI), and Scott (D-VA).
The full text of the bill is available here.
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