Navy Wants To Test Well Water Near Sub Base For Chemicals

GROTON, CT—The U.S. Navy says it wants to test private drinking wells near Sub Base to see if possibly dangerous chemicals used at the base for firefighting have seeped through groundwater to private drinking water at unsafe levels. The Navy has a public open house set for Sept. 17 to explain and answer questions.

Officials will be testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, which have been linked to various health risks, including developmental issues in children and decreased liver, thyroid and immune system function, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command notes.

The Navy says several of the chemicals are "now of emerging public health concern" to it, federal environmental and regulatory agencies and the "general public." The EPA issued a lifetime health advisory for two of the most commonly used and studied chemicals are a fire-righting foam the Navy uses for testing, training, firefighting, and other life-saving emergency responses. It says the PFAS compounds "may be present in the soil and/or groundwater at SUBASE New London" and also "present in nearby private drinking water wells that are located in the direction that the groundwater flows away from the base."

The EPA says the PFAS chemical presence at 70 parts per trillion or higher poses a health risk. The Navy says if it finds that the well water is at or below that level, that's that. But, if it finds levels higher than that, "the Navy will provide alternate water (likely bottled water) for drinking and cooking until a long-term solution can be put in place."

So, the Navy is asking to sample water from private wells; most other residents get their drinking water from Groton Utilities and that water will not need sampling, the Navy says.

Property owners with a private drinking water well should request sampling by calling 1-860-694-3976, the Navy says.

The Navy has scheduled a Sept. 17 open house public meeting on the proposed water sampling at the Hilton Garden Inn, 224 Gold Star Highway, Groton from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Navy "experts on the matter" will present information about this investigation and answer community questions.