Environment

Air Force to test Moose Creek wells for contamination

FAIRBANKS -- Eielson Air Force Base will be testing private wells in the Moose Creek area for groundwater contamination.

The Daily News-Miner reports the Eielson-based 354th Fighter Wing notified 300 Moose Creek households Thursday about the Air Force's plan to sample the drinking wells.

The decision comes after a move in January to change the source of drinking water on base due to contamination from perfluorinated compounds, often known as PFCs.

A representative from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation says that contamination is now believed to extend to the north of the base. He says it is likely that the contaminated groundwater extends beyond base, but it hasn't been shown yet.

The health advisory level is considered provisional. Long-term studies on harm to humans from PFCs are still in preliminary stages.

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