News Summary
The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is increasing its testing of off-base drinking water wells amid concerns about PFAS contamination from firefighting foams. The EPA warns of health risks associated with these ‘forever chemicals,’ prompting new initiatives to ensure drinking water safety for the surrounding community. Testing is set to occur in August as the military collaborates with property owners to mitigate potential contamination.
Beaufort, South Carolina — The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (MCAS) is expanding its efforts to address environmental concerns related to the testing of drinking water wells in the vicinity of the base. This initiative follows decades of utilizing firefighting retardants containing potentially harmful substances known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often labeled as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.
The Navy and Marine Corps recently announced plans for additional testing of off-base drinking water wells to determine the presence of PFAS. This move aligns with growing warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that exposure to certain PFAS at elevated levels may pose significant health risks. According to the EPA, individuals exposed to high levels of PFAS over extended periods can experience health issues including certain cancers, high cholesterol, and weakened immune systems.
Historically used since the 1950s in various products such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, carpet protectants, and firefighting foams, PFAS have left a considerable environmental footprint. Residents in the area, primarily dependent on the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) for their drinking water, are also part of this expanded testing initiative, even though the base itself sources its water from BJWSA.
The testing of individual private wells is seen as a precautionary step. It aims to ascertain whether PFAS has migrated off-site from MCAS Beaufort due to previous activities associated with the facility. A significant finding from December 2021 revealed the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in shallow groundwater, detected above 70 parts per trillion—this level necessitates remediation efforts.
In response to these findings, the military is currently investigating 28 designated sites on base that could be sources of PFAS releases to evaluate the need for remediation. The Navy and Marine Corps are also reassessing PFAS pollution in light of new nationwide drinking water standards established by the EPA in April 2024. Notably, an off-base well that had not previously exceeded action levels has since fallen above the threshold, prompting heightened concerns.
To address potential contamination, the military is collaborating with property owners to facilitate solutions, such as connections to the public water supply or installing drinking water treatment systems. Financial support for these initiatives will be provided by the military. Expanded testing for off-base drinking water wells is expected to take place between August 4-15, with property owners encouraged to grant permission for sampling within both previously tested and newly identified areas.
Initial tests of 18 wells in the area showed promising results; none surpassed the 70 parts per trillion limit, and 12 wells displayed no detectable PFAS. Furthermore, six wells recorded PFAS levels remaining below the EPA’s drinking water health advisory. Despite these results, the military remains vigilant, particularly after a preliminary assessment in 2020 highlighted the potential for PFAS release at 28 on-base locations.
Future cleanup strategies for MCAS Beaufort are under consideration, which may include implementing systems to pump and treat contaminated groundwater. As the expansion of testing and remediation efforts proceeds, the health and safety of residents remain a priority amidst ongoing environmental evaluations and health studies.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 1
- Wikipedia: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 2
- Google Search: PFAS Health Risks
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 3
- Google Scholar: PFAS Contamination Remediation
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Protection Agency
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 5
- Google News: MCAS Beaufort
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
