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Military tainted water cleanup to cost $2 billion

It could cost $2 billion to clean up drinking water that's been contaminated in 126 military housing communities across the country. Fortunately, tests at a local community are encouraging.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Last September the Government Accountability Office reported that a Pentagon study of 401 active and closed bases and surrounding communities across the country determined that 126 had drinking water contamination.

Locally, Fentress Field, Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk were listed.

This month Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment Maureen Sullivan told the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee it would cost about $2 billion to clean up.

Hampton Roads first learned about the water issue back in 2016 when the Navy tested dozens of private wells near Fentress, and six were found to have a problem.

This year the Navy began seeking permission to test wells near Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex.

The reason? Compounds used in firefighting foam decades ago, can seep into groundwater, get into wells, and if levels exceed Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, can increase the risk of cancer, damage liver cells, contribute to thyroid disease, cause elevated cholesterol and low birth weight.

New numbers out today are encouraging.

At Northwest Annex, 67 homes have been tested. Preliminary results for 52 of the houses are in, and none of them exceeded the EPA's lifetime health advisory.

Second District Rep.Elaine Luria tells 13 News Now there must be vigilance on this issue. In a statement, she said: 

Military families should not have to worry about water quality. The EPA and Pentagon should come together to prioritize the public health of military families in Virginia's Second Congressional District and across America.

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