Ayotte & Shaheen Applaud Federal Funding for Haven Well Blood Tests

Press Release

Following a letter they sent yesterday to the Air Force, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today welcomed confirmation that the Centers for Disease Control has agreed to fund blood tests for up to 500 individuals exposed to contaminants from the Haven Well in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

"We are glad that those who have been exposed to these contaminants will be able to undergo the testing they need while limiting undue financial burden on the State of New Hampshire and the City of Portsmouth," said the Senators. "We will continue to push for the Air Force to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to these contaminants, as our amendment in the defense bill would require. We will also seek additional federal funding if testing needs expand."

While the CDC had initially agreed to fund 100 blood tests, both Senators worked to secure federal funding for more tests. Last month, the Senators, who are both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act report requiring the Air Force to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to the PFCs and report back to Congress on its progress by September 30.

In April 2014, the Air Force discovered the presence of perflourochemicals (PFCs) in the Haven Well in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The contamination is likely due to the Air Force's use of fire-fighting foam at Pease Air National Guard Base.

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