Opinion: Environment Department fighting PFAS

They say fences make good neighbors, but when it comes to a neighbor like the U.S. Air Force, Clovis residents need one hell of a deep fence.

I am an outspoken critic of how the Air Force continues to treat the families of Clovis, given not one drop of PFAS-contaminated groundwater that migrated outside of Cannon Air Force Base’s fence line has been cleaned up yet. That’s right – not one drop in the last six years.

Since discovering firefighting foams containing PFAS used on Cannon AFB contaminated groundwater some four miles southeast of the base, the Air Force has done little to nothing to protect your drinking water. In fact, your neighbor slapped the New Mexico Environment Department with a federal lawsuit when we tried to require them to clean-up their pollution from your drinking water.

Fortunately, EPCOR, your public water supplier, has taken steps to ensure the safety of your drinking water from this pollution. Thanks to them, Clovis residents’ water is safe to drink despite the presence of nearby PFAS. EPCOR is an example of a good neighbor.

In the half-decade since the Air Force filed its lawsuit against NMED, it has cost New Mexicans about $10 million in litigation fees and technical studies. Meanwhile, a mere 100 miles away in Lubbock, the Air Force amicably agreed with state regulators to clean up its PFAS contamination around Reese Air Force Base. What’s stopping them from doing the same in Clovis, aside from a lack of accountability?

We know the adverse health effects PFAS exposure can have on people. They include high cholesterol, hormone imbalances, decreased fertility, low birth weight, developmental disabilities, cancers and more.

Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment to remove or even reduce PFAS from your body once you are exposed. Once it’s in your body, you only excrete small amounts at an extremely slow pace. There’s a reason they’re often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

While living around Cannon AFB does put you at a greater risk for exposure, PFAS are in so many consumer goods that we all likely have measurable amounts in our bodies.

You can limit future exposure to PFAS through simple choices. Avoid the use of non-stick cookware, like frying pans. Avoid buying food that comes in grease-resistant food wrappers, including microwave popcorn. Avoid stain resistant furniture and carpeting, such as those protective treatments offered by big box stores. Ditch your waterproof clothing, too. Finally, avoid all products that have “PTFE” or “perfluor” on the label or listed as an ingredient.

What else can you do? Get your blood tested — knowledge is power.

In September, the Environment Department, along with our partners the New Mexico Department of Health and New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, are offering free PFAS blood testing to adults who live or work on or around Cannon AFB. In doing so, we want to give you – and only you – real data that will help you make better consumer choices or start a conversation with your medical provider.

To learn more about PFAS blood testing for Clovis residents, we are hosting an informational public meeting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the Clovis Civic Center, 801 Schepps Blvd. We hope to see you there, because good neighbors care enough to show up.

James C. Kenney is secretary of New Mexico’s Environment Department. Contact him at 800-219-6157.