New concerns are emerging over toxic chemical exposure at military bases across the U.S., including several in New York, as federal cleanup efforts are being pushed back by years.
The Department of Defense is delaying critical investigations into PFAS contamination at approximately 150 installations — putting military families and nearby communities at risk, according to lawmakers pressing for immediate action.
At least five sites in New York are affected, including Stewart International Airport in the Hudson Valley and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. At some locations, the timeline for cleanup investigations has been extended by as much as six to eight years.
PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foam and industrial materials. They’ve been linked to serious health conditions, including cancer, birth defects, thyroid problems, and reproductive issues.
Military use of PFAS-containing foam is a major source of water contamination near bases, often impacting both service members and civilian populations.
Senators are urging the Pentagon to return to the original cleanup schedule released in December 2024. They argue the delays are unacceptable and leave communities in limbo, especially those that have waited years for remediation.
The setbacks come during a broader debate over the federal government’s responsibility to clean up toxic sites and protect those exposed during service.
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