Airway Heights wells tainted

During a May 16 press conference, officials from Fairchild Air Force Base and Airway Heights announced that two water wells used by the city tested over 70 parts per trillion for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and/or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination, which is above Environmental Protection Agency lifetime health advisory levels.

The city tested two of its wells in light of the private wells located near Fairchild Air Force Base that were tested for PFOS and PFOA contamination. These chemicals are classified by the EPA as “emerging contaminants” and are found in household items, as well as heat and fire-resistant products including an aqueous film forming foam, which was used by the Air Force for firefighting training purposes from 1970 to 2016. EPA recommends people to limit consumption of these chemicals over their lifetime.

After the EPA issued updated PFOS/PFOA health advisory levels in May 2016, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center has been conducting assessments at a variety of active and closed bases, including Fairchild, to determine if these chemicals pose a risk to drinking water.

During the press conference, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, Col. Ryan Samuelson said Fairchild will remain completely transparent “as we work with the city to determine the extent of the PFOS/PFOA contamination and how to quickly and effectively provide clean water.”

The test results of two wells, located near MacFarlane Road and Lawson Street, were obtained after preliminary sampling conducted by the Air Force. The Air Force is validating preliminary findings and expects to provide final results to the city within 2-3 weeks.

The city immediately ceased operation of the wells and has initiated a flushing routine to remove water from the system with the intent of reducing levels of contaminants within the next 3-4 days. It will also use its water intertie with Spokane.

Tripp recommended residents not drink the city’s water, nor use it for cooking until the system is free of these contaminants. However, it is safe for activities like irrigation, bathing and doing laundry.

When asked how Sunset Elementary School would be affected, Tripp said the school was advised not to drink the water. He confirmed that Cheney School District is aware of the situation and will accommodate the school’s water needs.

The city has provided bottled water to residents at drop off locations throughout the city and will continue to do so. Staff is also looking at short term solutions to reducing the contaminants in the system, one being installing a filter system on each well.

Residents and businesses located east of Hayford Road are not affected by the advisory levels as their water is from Spokane. According to information from Airway Heights, reverse osmosis and carbon filters have shown to be effective in reducing or removing the chemicals from water.

Residents who have any questions regarding the water supply can contact Airway Heights City Hall at (509) 244-5578 or visit the city’s website at cawh.org. They can also contact Fairchild Public Affairs (509) 247-5705 for information.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.