FOUNTAIN – The Environmental Protection Agency hosted a meeting Thursday morning to explain how they regulate cancer-causing chemicals linked to firefighting foam used on Peterson Air Force Base.
The plan is to recommend a new standard to limit the amount of these chemicals that are used – all while inviting the public to be a part of the conversation.
Attendees received a 63-page action plan, though they also came prepared with questions.
“We are an educated community about the PFAS issue,” said Fran Silva Blayney with the Sierra Club.
“It’s always good to come down because you know you’re going to have a great dialogue,” said Doug Benevento, EPA Region 8 Administrator.
“And this was another great dialogue,” he added.
“Now we’re finally getting some answers, which is important,” expressed Liz Rosenbaum, who founded the Fountain Valley Water Coalition.
The EPA expects to issue their proposed drinking water regulations by the end of the year.
Though there’s no timeline yet on when these could take effect.
“I would like to see the EPA come up with a fast-track way to address PFAS contamination,” said Blayney.
But a lot of research is still pending.
“We need to collect health data and that’s complicated scientific analysis that needs to be done,” Benevento explained. “We need to take public comment on all of that.”
The public is grateful to be heard and participate in the process – even if sharing concerns is part of it.
“It is now something that we can work towards,” Rosenbaum said.
Last year, a filtration system was installed in Fountain and water declared safe to drink again.
The EPA also wants to set regulations for similar chemicals that come on to the market.
They will be hosting another community meeting next Thursday, February 21.
