Letter to Mr. Gregory C. Preston, Director, Base Realignment and Closure Program Management Office East, Department of the Navy - Provide Health Screenings, Water Filtration for Horsham, Warminster Residents

Letter

Dear Mr. Preston,

We write regarding the high levels of the toxic chemical compounds PFOS and PFOA found in public and private wells near former military facilities in Horsham and Warminster, Pennsylvania. The families we represent in Congress continue to have tremendous health concerns as a consequence of drinking water from contaminated wells.

We appreciate the efforts the Navy has undertaken to provide affected residents with bottled drinking water and support the cooperation that is taking place at the federal, state and township levels. But as a responsible party for the groundwater contamination, we believe the Navy has an obligation to take further steps to address ongoing health and safety concerns. We formally request that the Navy work with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to fund health screenings and blood tests for Horsham and Warminster residents to determine whether or not these chemicals have a presence in their bloodstreams. Further, the Navy should work with the Department to provide carbon filters for contaminated wells.

These measures have precedent. In Hoosick, NY an industrial plastics company was found responsible for the presence of PFOA in groundwater. The company worked with the New York State Department of Health to offer free blood screenings to affected residents to determine whether or not there were levels of PFOA in their bloodstreams. All told, 2,000 residents of Hoosick, NY took part in the free screenings and they should be receiving their results shortly. These residents will have the benefit of that information as they seek alternative drinking water options and possible health treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating PFOS and PFOA and whether they can cause cancer or related illnesses. Horsham and Warminster residents should not have to wait for that study to know whether and how PFOS and PFOA has affected them. The Navy should offer to fund health screenings so residents can make informed health decisions in a timely fashion.

Thank you very much for your time and attention to our request.