The PFAS provision is aimed at increasing transparency between local governments near military installations and the Department of Defense. It will also help the city of Dayton, both in its understanding of groundwater contamination threats and to manage and address the issue, the Congressman said.
“This is an important provision that we worked with the city of Dayton on in allowing the sharing of this type of data,” Turner said. “Previously, the city approached Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and there really hasn’t been a mechanism by which they could sit down together and share this data in a cooperative fashion. So this provision will permit them to do so.”
Related: Ohio launches statewide effort to analyze PFAS in drinking water
Polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFAS — are a group of man-made chemicals consisting of various types of substances, including some known as PFOA, PFOS, GenX and others. PFAS can be found in a foam used to put out fires, and foams like that frequently were used in training at Wright-Patt to extinguish aircraft fires. It is also in household products such as water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products like Teflon, waxes, polishes, and some food packaging, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
PFAS contaminants have been found in parts of the water supply at Wright-Patt, and in much of Montgomery County at levels that are safe to drink but which cause concern if they increase.
“I’m grateful for Congressman Turner’s work to raise awareness about PFAS issues, and for the collaborative effort between him, Sen. Brown and Sen. Portman to include data sharing requirements in the (defense bill),” Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley said. “This is an issue that is going to require ongoing work at the federal level as we work with the Department of Defense to ensure that our drinking water remains free of these chemicals.”
The $738 billion defense will now be sent to the Senate, where it’s expected to pass and possibly land on President Trump’s desk this week. When passed, it will create a new Space Force, give military members a 3.1% pay raise — their largest raise in 10 years — and grants 12 weeks of paid parental leave to the entire federal workforce.
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