Congressman Keating and Senator Markey announced Department of Defense (DOD) assurance to clean up PFAS contamination at Joint Base Cape Cod

September 17, 2021

This morning Congressman Bill Keating was joined by staff from Senator Edward J. Markey’s office for a conference call with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Infrastructure Mark A. Correll to discuss U.S. Air Force remediation of PFAS contamination impacting wells near the firefighting training site on Joint Base Cape Cod.

During the call, assurances were made that the Air Force is rapidly moving forward on contamination mitigation efforts surrounding the firefighting training site. These efforts include identifying the necessary policy changes and funding through the Department of Defense to engage the Army Corps of Engineers to construct decontamination facilities at the three impacted Turner Road wells in Mashpee, Fresh Pond Well in Falmouth, and private wells affected by the plume.

“We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of Deputy Assistant Secretary Correll to ensure that the Air Force and Department of Defense can move forward in taking responsibility for cleaning up the contamination that began on Joint Base Cape Cod and has deeply impacted the lives of those living in Mashpee and Falmouth,” said Senator Edward Markey and Congressman Bill Keating. “Facing capital costs above $8 million to remove PFAS from their drinking water, the ratepayers of Mashpee and Falmouth can now rest assured that the cleanup of this contamination caused by Department of Defense Activities will be borne by the Department of Defense, as it should be. The cleanup of this plume remains a top priority for both of our offices, and we look forward to an announcement from the Department of Defense soon which confirms its commitment to the people of Mashpee and Falmouth .”

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