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Military PFAS Testing Disclosure Act
12/31/2022, 5:08 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4339
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to various health problems, including cancer and reproductive issues. These chemicals have been found in drinking water sources near military bases across the country, leading to concerns about the health and safety of service members and their families.
The Military PFAS Testing Disclosure Act aims to require the Department of Defense to conduct testing for PFAS contamination at all military installations and to disclose the results of these tests to the public. This transparency is intended to ensure that communities near military bases are informed about potential health risks and can take appropriate measures to protect themselves. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the Department of Defense to provide alternative sources of drinking water to communities affected by PFAS contamination and to develop a plan for remediation of contaminated sites. Overall, the Military PFAS Testing Disclosure Act seeks to address the issue of PFAS contamination in military communities by increasing transparency, providing resources for affected communities, and developing a plan for remediation.
Congressional Summary of HR 4339
Military PFAS Testing Disclosure Act
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to immediately publicly disclose the results of any testing for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, conducted on or at specified sites (i.e., areas surrounding DOD military installations in the United States, formerly used defense sites, and state-owned facilities of the National Guard).
DOD must also disclose the expected timing and location of any planned testing for PFAS conducted at the specified sites.
DOD may satisfy the disclosure requirements by publishing the information, data sets, and results relating to the testing on a publicly available DOD website or in the Federal Register.
Prior to conducting any testing for PFAS, DOD must provide notice in writing to (1) the managers of the public water system and the publicly owned treatment works serving the areas located immediately adjacent to the military installation being tested, (2) the municipal government serving the areas located immediately adjacent to the military installation being tested, and (3) all Restoration Advisory Board members for the military installation where the testing is to occur.
DOD must test for any PFAS for which a method of measurement in drinking water has been validated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
