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Contaminated Wells Relocation Act
10/7/2025, 7:17 PM
Summary of Bill S 606
The bill specifies that the reimbursement is for costs directly associated with the removal and replacement of wells that were impacted by contamination from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. This contamination has been a concern for the town and its residents, as access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for public health and well-being.
By authorizing NASA to reimburse the town for these costs, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on the Town of Chincoteague and ensure that residents have access to clean and safe drinking water. This legislation highlights the importance of environmental responsibility and accountability, as well as the need for government agencies to address and rectify any negative impacts on local communities.
Congressional Summary of S 606
Contaminated Wells Relocation Act
This bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter into an agreement to reimburse the town of Chincoteague, Virginia for costs directly associated with the removal and relocation of drinking water wells currently situated on NASA property.
(Drinking water wells located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility near Chincoteague have tested positive for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, resulting from the use of certain firefighting foams at the site beginning in the 1970s. NASA currently operates a water treatment system to remove PFAS from the affected water supply.)
Any such agreement must include, to the extent practicable, (1) a provision for the removal and relocation of the wells remaining on NASA property, (2) a description of the location to which the wells are planned to be relocated, and (3) a current cost estimate of such relocation. Replacement wells must be established on property under the administrative control of the town of Chincoteague.
