Editor,
This is in response to the letter to the editor by Rick Abraham entitled, “Public officials won’t stand up to the Navy.”
It goes without saying that expounding on “inadequate and little knowledge” can be foolish.
In May 2016, new EPA regulations issued a lifetime human health advisory level for two perfluoroalkyls, the perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid at 70 parts per trillion. It is presumed that at this level humans are protected from adverse health effects.
The Navy had used PFAS, contained in the aqueous film forming foam, in fire suppression training and real life accidents. The Navy was directed to test water sources here on Whidbey Island and found contaminated wells at Ault Field and OLF.
As a result of those findings they began testing wells in areas within one mile of the original contaminated area.
As of February 2017, 97 wells were tested at OLF with seven wells found to be contaminated, and one well at Ault Field was found contaminated out of 76 tested. As soon as a well is determined contaminated, the Navy provides drinking water to property owners as part of their protocol.
Currently, there is a second phase of testing wells based on the distance from the contaminated wells, which requires permission of property owners.
The Navy continues to ask property owners for permission to test their wells. Once wells have been tested in the potential area of influence, the Navy will evaluate final resolution for affected property owners.
The Navy has periodic town hall meetings to inform the community on the latest information regarding findings from their water testing.
There are times when speaking out is important and relevant, other times it is just blowing off hot air.
The health of the Whidbey Island citizens is the reason for the Board of Health and WhidbeyHealth. We continue to monitor and act when appropriate or possible.
Please have adequate information rather than causing unnecessary chaos with misinformation.
Dr. Grethe Cammermeyer RN, PhD
Commissioner, District 1,
WhidbeyHealth
