Navy to test well samples near Bangor after chemicals above standard are detected on base
After testing drinking water wells in areas around Bangor in 2020 and Manchester in June, the Navy will return to Bangor in September. After confirming the presence of chemicals on the Bangor base in 2022, the Navy has asked permission for the third time in three years to test drinking water wells in the areas surrounding a naval installation in Kitsap County.
Two of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals above an advised standard, 70 ppt, were detected on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in 2022, the Navy said. The results of the on-base investigation identified the groundwater flow direction of the base's affected fire station area, leading to its latest request to sample off-base wells in an area east of the submarine base.
PFAS may be present in these drinking water wells due to past use of firefighting foam or other PFAS-containing materials on base, the Navy said, and residents may request sampling or attend any of a series of upcoming meetings.
Bangor sampling in 2020: 2 detected PFAS above standard
In 2020, the Navy sampled 343 wells — mostly on the north and south sides outside the submarine base — and found two wells with detection of PFOA and/or PFOS (two types of PFAS chemicals) above 70 ppt. Certain PFAS are proven to cause adverse health effects if people are exposed to the substances continuously, according to EPA.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/navy-test-well-samples-near-164007579.html
NAS Whidbey has had similar problems with these chemicals.