WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the U.S. Navy’s announcement that the contamination of drinking water on and around Naval Air Landing Facility (NALF) Fentress in Chesapeake, Virginia is more widespread than previously reported, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine pressed Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to swiftly address the issue and ensure the immediate needs of local community members are met.

Full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Mabus,

We write to request information on recent lab results indicating elevated levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the drinking water on and around Naval Air Landing Facility (NALF) Fentress in Chesapeake, VA.  As you are aware, PFCs are considered to be emerging contaminants, and while there are no Safe Drinking Water Act regulatory standards for these compounds, there are Provisional Health Advisory values for health-based screening levels.

In order to best provide congressional oversight and support to the NALF Fentress community, we request a detailed briefing on your current lab reports and additional testing planned, which should include health assessments of servicemembers and members of the community. We appreciate the Navy’s proactive efforts to evaluate facilities for this emergent contaminant, promptly notify the local community and deliver bottled water to areas that may have been impacted.

American naval strength and force projection rely on the unwavering support of our servicemembers, their families and surrounding communities.  Foundational to this support is our moral obligation to ensure their health and welfare.  We look forward to working with the Department to swiftly resolve this matter.

U.S. Senator Mark Warner
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine

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