Peterson AFB Sets 5-Year Commitment To Cleaning Contaminated Water

The Air Force is committed to a five-year plan to deal with water contamination in Security, Widefield and Fountain. That's the word from Col. Doug Schiess, commander of the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, who spoke to told El Paso County commissioners on Thursday, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Firefighting foam used at the base for decades seeped into the 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.

CPR News Previous Coverage:

• Feb. 5 2016: EPA IDs Contaminant In 3 Colo. Water Systems 
• July 6 2016: Military Will Pay For Water Filters Around Peterson
• Aug. 18 2016: Chemicals Likely Came From Military Firefighting Foam
• Aug. 29 2016: Military Phases Out Foam But Questions Remain
• Sept. 28 2016: Security Stops Using Contaminated Water

The Associated Press contributed to this report.