U.S. Senator John Fetterman and 27 Democratic colleagues are pressing the Pentagon to reverse a recent decision that postpones critical cleanups of toxic PFAS contamination at military bases across the United States. This move could leave both service members and surrounding communities at risk for nearly a decade.
In a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the senators called for the immediate reinstatement of the original cleanup timetable, which was outlined in late 2024. They criticized the revised schedule that delays essential remediation processes at approximately 150 military installations nationwide.
“For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action,” the senators stated. They urged the Pentagon to “accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Health Risks and Contamination Scope
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are associated with serious health risks, including various cancers, reproductive disorders, and weakened immune function. Their widespread use in firefighting foams at military bases has led to significant groundwater contamination, particularly through stormwater runoff.
According to the letter, at least 700 military sites across the U.S. are known or suspected to be contaminated. The revised schedule would postpone critical remediation phases, specifically the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study phase, at around 150 of these sites. Some cleanup timelines have been extended by nearly ten years, deepening the risks for affected communities.
The implications for Pennsylvania are particularly concerning. The letter lists three installations in the state facing significant cleanup delays:
– Biddle Air National Guard Base (Montgomery County): Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study end date moved from 2026 to 2030
– Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station (Allegheny County): moved from 2028 to 2032
– Pittsburgh ANGB (Allegheny County): moved from 2028 to 2033
Senatorial Action and Community Advocacy
Senator Fetterman, alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and colleagues such as Tammy Duckworth, Cory Booker, Maggie Hassan, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden, voiced strong concerns about the delays. They contend that the Department of Defense has a responsibility to promptly resume the original cleanup timetable and take further measures to safeguard public health.
The full letter and a detailed list of impacted bases are accessible through Senator Fetterman’s office. The senators emphasize that these delays not only threaten military families but also the health of nearby neighborhoods that are already grappling with PFAS contamination.
As the situation evolves, the call for immediate action underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability regarding environmental health and safety at military installations.
