Two drinking water wells near Naval Air Station Meridian were found free of the contaminants perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) after testing by an independent contractor for the Navy.

NAS sampled the wells, from April 17-19, in the designated area surrounding the installation, according to a news release. PFOS and PFOA belong to a class of chemicals called perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

“We notified the two well owners, and we are pleased with the results of the testing,” Capt. Scott Bunnay, commanding officer of NAS Meridian, said in a statement. “We expect the final validated results in the next couple of weeks. The Navy will continue to work with our neighbors in the future if more testing is needed to ensure well drinking water is below EPAs lifetime health advisory levels.”

PFAS compounds are man-made chemicals persistent in the environment that are not absorbed easily in soil and could migrate into groundwater, according to the news release. They have  been used since the 1950s in products and substances that resist heat, stains, grease and water, such as non-stick cookware, microwaveable popcorn bag food packaging, and water resistant textiles and sprays used to treat carpets and fabrics, according to the news release.

The Navy has used the chemicals through the firefighting agent, aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). It is the most effective way to put out petroleum-based fires and is used mainly to extinguish aircraft fires, according to the news release. The Navy said it is no longer used for firefighting training.

Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a lifetime health advisory on the substances in excess of 70 parts per trillion (PPT), prompting the Navy to start testing its own sites for the substances. NAS- Meridian identified areas where the chemicals could have been used at former sludge disposal areas and old fire training areas.

As part of its policy, the Navy has tested for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water on board installations and nearby private drinking water wells within designated areas, according to the Navy. 

More information about the Navy’s PFAS drinking water testing initiative can be found at www.secnav.navy.mil/eie/pages/pfc-pfas.aspx.

NAS Meridian notified neighbors earlier this month that it was seeking permission to test water wells within a mile radius of the base.

Three wells were identified for testing, however, one of those homes was found to be receiving its drinking water from a Lauderdale County system, according to a Navy spokeswoman.

Residents near the base who have concerns about their wells may call 601-679-2602.

Whitney Downard contributed to this report.