Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-8th dist.) has been recognized as the 2018 Champion Representative by the Water Quality Association for his bipartisan work on PFC contamination
By Tom Waring
Northeast Times
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-8th dist.) has been recognized as the 2018 Champion Representative by the Water Quality Association for his bipartisan work on PFC contamination.
Since being sworn into office, Fitzpatrick has been an advocate for clean water — including fighting for the federal government to address elevated levels of perfluorinated compounds surrounding the former Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster, former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Horsham and Horsham Air Guard Station.
Fitzpatrick successfully included language to the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act that directed the Department of Defense to conduct a study on the related health effects of exposure to PFOS/PFOA at military installations, as well as required a report on the department’s progress developing and implementing alternatives to fire suppressant foam that do not contain perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid.
Additionally, Fitzpatrick has testified in front of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee to push for funding for cleanup and remediation of PFOS and PFOA as well as a long-term health study on the impacts of PFOS and PFOA in the local area.
“Perfluorinated compounds have been found in communities surrounding over 600 military installations nationwide — including several in our own district. While the military does not dispute its responsibility for the well contamination, the response thus far has been unacceptable,” Fitzpatrick said.
“While we have made progress, including with NDAA amendments, there is still more work to be done. My constituents have a right to safe, clean drinking water and they deserve to know if PFOS and PFOA have compromised their long-term health. I will keep fighting for everyone impacted by this situation.”
The WQA is a not-for-profit association for the residential commercial and industrial water treatment industry. WQA represents more than 2,500 member companies around the globe, and membership is comprised of equipment manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and distributors of water quality improvement products and services. ••
