Air Force announces 5-year plan to clear Colorado Springs water contamination

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Air Force has a five-year plan to mitigate water contamination in an aquifer near Colorado Springs caused by toxic firefighting foam.

The Gazette reports that Col. Doug Schiess, commander of the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, on Thursday told El Paso County commissioners that the Air Force is committed to a five-year plan to deal with the water contamination in Security, Widefield and Fountain.

Firefighting foam used at Peterson Air Force Base for decades seeped into the Widefield Aquifer, rendering well water for customers in southern El Paso County unsafe to drink. The Air Force no longer uses the foam.

Schiess wouldn't elaborate on the mitigation plan, but says information about an internal Air Force report will be released in June or July.

In Other News

As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust

VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.

Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs

Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Load More