CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Officials say nine water wells near Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg contain unhealthy amounts of forever chemicals.
The announcement came after officials tested water samples from groundwater wells on private property near the army base for PFAS particles released by the depot.
PFAS particles are a group of synthetic materials that can build up in the bodies of people and wildlife. These particles don’t break down easily, giving them the name of forever chemicals, which are used in common household goods including non-stick cookware, cleaning products and furniture.
The test included 88 water wells that were sampled between April 22-26, 2024.
According to the press release, “The results from those samples showed nine drinking water wells with PFAS levels exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) maximum contaminant levels for drinking water, which went into effect on June 25, 2024.”
Each sampling recipient was reportedly notified of their sampling results and given information to better understand PFAS.
For the nine water wells containing unhealthy levels of forever chemicals the Depot stated in a press release, “The Army will work with the EPA and state regulators to mitigate exposure for the public and implement remedial measures.”
The official results can be found here.
