For Immediate Release

April 11, 2007

REP. DICKS CALLS FOR AGGRESSIVE STUDY OF FT. LEWIS CONTAMINATION IMPACT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington Congressmen Norm Dicks and Adam Smith, along with Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are calling for a more aggressive study of the potential health impacts of vapor from contaminated groundwater in a residential neighborhood at Fort Lewis.

            Following a media report suggesting that fumes from groundwater contaminants may represent a health hazard for people living in a military housing development at the base, the lawmakers have written to the Fort Lewis Commander and to the Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency suggesting a pro-active effort to assure that residents are being protected.

            In their letter they referred to the existence of known areas of groundwater at Fort Lewis that have been contaminated with tri-chloroethylene (TCE) and other potentially harmful organic compounds:  "While historical studies have revealed the existence of a plume of TCE-contaminated groundwater migrating in the vicinity of these houses, there is uncertainty about the existence and concentration of TCE vapors in and around the homes.  Because of the potential for inhalation by any of the residents of the surrounding area, we believe it is prudent and necessary to pursue a thorough investigation of air concentrations of TCE and other volatile organics that have been determined to be present in the area’s groundwater."

            The letter continued: "We believe that it is important at this time for the EPA and Fort Lewis to engage in proactive involvement of any potentially-impacted individuals, keeping them informed of plans and results of testing, and of any and all measures being taken to assure a clean and safe environment."

            Rep. Dicks has convened a meeting on Thursday (Apr. 12) at Fort Lewis to bring regional EPA officials together with command leadership at Fort Lewis and to reach a consensus on how to assure that any and all potential health impacts are considered.  In Congress, Rep. Dicks serves as the Vice-Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and as the Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, with oversight responsibility for the EPA.

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