May 2024

  • May 23, 2024 - Congressman Chris Pappas sends letter to the Air Force asking if they will comply with EPA’s new drinking water standards in private and municipal wells around Pease | Letter

April 2024

March 2024

  • March 21, 2024 - City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) meeting 6:30-8:30pm | Agenda

February 2024

  • February 1, 2024 - NH DES hosts a hybrid community meeting at Newington Town Hall (and via Microsoft Teams) on PFAS Research in Great Bay | Flyer | Register | Video

  • February 7, 2024 - EPA reveals more evidence of widespread ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water | EWG Press Release

  • February 8, 2024 - NH DES hosts a hybrid community meeting at Newington Town Hall (and via Microsoft Teams) on PFAS Research in Our Homes & Yards | Flyer | Register | Video

  • February 16, 2024 - Scientists Statement on defining PFAS | Letter

January 2024

  • January 1, 2024 - PFAS REACH Children’s Health Study expands age criteria to enroll older children (ages 11-15) into the study | Flyer | Enroll in the Study

  • January 5, 2024 - The US Air Force’s Pease Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) is seeking 2 new community members to serve on the RAB | Press Release | Application

  • January 12, 22024 - ATSDR/CDC release Pease Study Exposure Report (first part of the Pease Health Study results) | Pease Study Report | Article | Senator Shaheen Press Release

  • January 30, 2024 - ATSDR/CDC hosts a hybrid community meeting to review Pease Study Report results and updated PFAS Information for Clinicians. Meeting is at Portsmouth Community Campus at 6pm or virtual via zoom | Meeting Flyer | Register for Zoom | Video | Slides

December 2023

  • December 13, 2023 - City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) Meeting 6:30-8:30pm | Agenda | Video

November 2023

  • November 1, 2023 - Pease Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting 4:30-8:30 at NH DES office on Pease | Register | Flyer | Agenda | Pre-Recorded Video | Meeting Video | Slide deck #1 | Slide deck #2| Slide deck #3

  • November 2, 2023 - Senator Shaheen takes the lead to send a letter to DoD Secretary Lloyd Austin to identify the resources and funding necessary to accelerate testing and remediation for PFAS in fiscal year (FY) 2025 | Letter | Senator Shaheen Press Release

  • November 12, 2023 - Andrea Amico presents at the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia on a PFAS panel titled “PFAS Contamination: Community Perspectives”

  • November 15, 2023 - Workshop for free Private Well Testing Initiative in Seacoast Towns | Flyer

  • November 16, 2023 - Senator Shaheen sends a letter to DoD’s Secretary Brendan Owens requesting more information be shared with community members re: PFAS and chicken eggs | Letter

October 2023

September 2023

  • September 20, 2023 - City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) Meeting 6:30-8:30pm | Video

August 2023

  • August 4, 2023 - DoD launches a community engagement questionnaire to gather input from impacted communities on how they engage with DoD | Link to questionnaire

  • August 16th, 2023 - Testing for Pease mentioned in NY Times in depth article on PFAS | Article

  • August 17, 2023 - NH DES hosts a second technical listening session for stakeholders to provide input on the proposed draft Soil Remediation Standards (SRS) for the 4 PFAS | Register to attend

  • August 30, 2023 - DoD agrees to data transparency when sharing information with community members and state regulators | Article | Senator Shaheen press release | DoD Policy

July 2023

  • July 11, 2023 - Shaheen introduces Legislation to Increase Community Engagement and Transparency re: DoD PFAS related activities | Press Release

  • July 17, 2023 - Statement on the Department’s PFAS Cleanup Progress by the Honorable Brendan Owens Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations & Environment |Statement

  • July 20, 2023 - The Air Force hosts a Pease RAB workshop at Newington Town Hall from 5-8pm | Flyer

June 2023

  • June 2023 - NH DHHS issues PFAS Guidance for Clinicians | Factsheet

  • June 1, 2023 - NH DHHS release revised PFAS Guidance for New Hampshire Clinicians |Fact Sheet

  • June 7, 2023 - SWAG Meeting | Meeting Video

  • June 11, 2023 - Burned Documentary viewing on PFAS and firefighter event at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA, featuring PFAS advocates Diane and Paul Cotter webiste | Watch Film

May 2023

April 2023

  • April 1, 2023 - Keen PFAS Paper | Read Paper

  • April 11, 2023 - The US EPA held a Region 1 (New England) Community Engagement session on PFAS impacted communities | Website

  • April 19, 2023 - Senator Shaheen questions top DoD officials about PFAS at a Senate Armed Services Hearing | Video (time stamp 55:36)

March 2023

February 2023

  • February 13, 2023 Senator Shaheen Urges Biden Administration to Prioritize Efforts to Combat PFAS Contamination | Letter | Press Release

  • February 15, 2023 - Andrea Amico participates in a Community Connectors panel discussion on local heroes | Video | Podcast

  • February 22, 2023 - NHPR Article "Tracing the path of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ inside the body" | Article

  • February 23, 2023 - NHPR Article "PFAS expert tips: How to reduce your exposure to harmful ‘forever chemicals’" | Article

  • February 24, 2023 - Andrea Amico co-authors a journal article on PFAS Activism: Persistent chemicals, persistent activism: scientific opportunity structures and social movement organizing on contamination by per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances | Article

January 2023

December 2022

  • December 5, 2022 - “Op-ed: Arming doctors with knowledge about PFAS pollution” | Article

  • December 7, 2022 - Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) Meeting | Agenda | Video

  • December 20, 2022 - “3M to Exit PFAS Manufacturing by the End of 2025” |Article

  • December 20, 2022 - “3M Still Liable Despite PFAS Market Exit, Attorneys Say” | Article

November 2022

  • November 1, 2022 - ATSDR sends letter to Pease Study participants asking for permission to share their initial PFAS blood test results | Letter

  • November 16, 2022 - ATSDR launches PFAS Blood Level Estimation Tool | Website

  • November 30, 2022 - Pease Restoration Advisory Board looking for new members | Application

October 2022

  • October 21, 2022 - “Shaheen Helps Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Support Farmers Affected by PFAS” | Press Release

  • October 22, 2022 - “Nonstick Nuisance Medical Monitoring for PFAS” Webinar on monitoring your health after PFAS exposure | Video

September 2022

  • September 13, 2022 - “Report outlines health effects of PFAS chemicals in children, provides recommendations for testing” | Article

  • September 16, 2022 - “Shaheen touts effort to designate some PFAS chemicals as hazardous” | Article

  • September 16, 2022 - “EPA official calls designating PFAS as hazardous substances 'huge step'“ | Article

  • September 16, 2022 - “Shaheen, EPA Administrator Cash Discuss Federal Action Underway to Designate PFAS Contamination Hazardous, Ramp up Mitigation Efforts” | Article

  • September 16, 2022 - Shaheen writes letter of concern to Department of Defense | Read Letter

  • September 22, 2022 - ATSDR Final Report: Findings Across Ten Exposure Assessment (EA) Sites | Website

  • September 29, 2022 - Pease CAP Meeting 5:30-8:00pm | Agenda | Flyer | Recording

August 2022

  • August 26, 2022 - EPA Proposes Designating Certain PFAS Chemicals as Hazardous Substances Under Superfund to Protect People’s Health | More Info

  • August 30, 2022 - SWAG Meeting 6:30pm-8:30pm at Portsmouth City Hall | Video | More Info

July 2022

  • July 13, 2022 - Office of Science and Technology Policy puts out request for the identification of data gaps in PFAS Research | More Info

  • July 13, 2022 -”Shaheen, Peters & Moran Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen, Expand Federal Research on PFAS Contamination” | Read Article

  • July 15, 2022 - “EPA warns that even tiny amounts of chemicals found in drinking water pose risks” | Article

  • July 20, 2022 - ATSDR Pease Study Clinician Information Webinar | Register | More Info

  • July 26, 2022 - “PFAS Research in Great Bay: an Educational Webinar” | Recording | Flyer

  • July 26, 2022 - “Daily Exposure to ‘Forever Chemicals’ Costs United States Billions in Health Costs” | Read Article

  • July 27, 2022 - Testing for Pease signs letter to President Biden on designating PFAS as hazardous substances | Letter

  • July 28, 2022 - NASEM Webinar: “Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up Report Public Briefing” | More Info | Report | Press Release

June 2022

  • June 15, 2022 - “EPA Announces New Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFAS Chemicals, $1 Billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding to Strengthen Health Protections” | Article

  • June 15-17, 2022 - 3rd National PFAS Conference in Wilmington, NC | Website | Presentations

May 2022

April 2022

  • April 5, 2022 - EPA meeting on “Environmental Justice Considerations for Development of Proposed PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)” from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Register

  • April 12, 2022 - Andrea Amico on “What Mama Wants” Podcast |Listen

  • April 20, 2022 - Safe Water Advisory Group Meeting (SWAG) from 6:30-8:30pm | Agenda | Register

March 2022

  • March 2, 2022 - EPA meeting on “Environmental Justice Considerations for Development of Proposed PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)” | Additional Info

  • March 3, 2022 - U.S. House of Representatives votes to pass the PACT Act, creating a registry of individuals exposed to PFAS on military installations.

  • March 28, 2022 - Registration open for the Third National PFAS Conference in Wilmington, NC | Register

Feb 2022

  • February 2, 2022 - 33 Senators, including NH Senator Jeanne Shaheen, sent a letter to President Biden in support of government-wide efforts to prevent and respond to PFAS | Letter

  • February 16, 2022 - ATSDR Pease CAP ***Virtual*** Meeting at 6pm | Flyer | Video | Additional Info

  • February 23, 2022 - City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) meeting | Agenda | Video

  • February 24, 2022 - ATSDR releases final Health Consultation report, “Exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in private residential drinking water wells in communities located within 1 mile of the Pease International Tradeport” in New Hampshire. | Report | Fact Sheet

  • February 28, 2022 - Pease Restoration Advisory Board ***Virtual*** Meeting at 6pm | Video | Agenda | Slides

Jan 2022

  • January 1, 2022 - US Air Force is accepting applications for local community members to join the Pease RAB | Public Notice | RAB Website | Application

  • January 1, 2022 - State of New Hampshire requires that PFAS blood testing be covered by major medical insurance | FAQ Page

  • January 21, 2022 - Third National PFAS Conference Announced for June 15-17 in Wilmington, NC | Event Website

  • January 22, 2022 - Senator Hassan Pushes Defense Department to Strengthen Engagement with Communities Impacted by PFAS Following Testimony from NH Leader | Letter

Dec 2021

  • December 4, 2021 - Marched in Portsmouth Holiday Parade | Photos

  • December 6, 2021 - “Portsmouth City Council votes unanimously to do independent testing of the new artificial turf installed earlier this year” | Video | Article

  • December 7, 2021 - Pease RAB virtual meeting with the US Air Force 6-9pm | Slides

  • December 9, 2021 - Andrea Amico testifies on PFAS water contamination at the U.S. Senate | Video | Article #1 | Article #2 | Article #3

  • December 10, 2021 - “PFAS health study in Portsmouth ending soon” | Article

  • December 15, 2021 - ATSDR Releases Community Engagement Playbook describing its four phases of community engagement | Playbook Link

  • December 20, 2021 - Andrea Amico and Brian Goetz present to the Portsmouth City Council an end of year update for the City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) | Video

  • December 21, 2021 - Senator Shaheen writes letter to U.S. Department of Defense regarding lack of protective measures taken to limit PFAS exposure and an underutilization of the data collected through the PFAS blood testing program for DoD firefighters. | Letter

Nov 2021

  • November 15, 2021 - President Biden signs Infrastructure Bill allocating $10 Billion for PFAS | Article

  • November 17, 2021 - Portsmouth Council hosts a work session on PFAS in Artificial Turf | Video

  • November 23, 2021 - City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) meeting | Agenda | Video

Oct 2021

Sep 2021

  • September 1, 2021 - City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) hybrid meeting (in person at Portsmouth City Hall or virtual by zoom) 6:30-8:00pm | Register | Agenda | Video

  • September 14, 2021 - Pease RAB ***Virtual*** Meeting with the US Air Force from 5-8pm EST | Flyer | Register | Video

  • September 22, 2021 - Testing for Pease hosts a virtual lunch and learn for Pease community to provide education on two PFAS health studies that are actively recruiting Pease community members from 12-12:45pm| Register | Flyer | Video

  • September 28, 2021 - ATSDR Pease CAP ***Virtual*** Meeting to discuss CDC Pease Study at 6pm | Flyer | Agenda | Video

Aug 2021

  • August 3, 2021 - Haven well at Pease re-activated for drinking water after being offline for 7 years due to PFAS contamination at the Pease Tradeport | Article | City of Portsmouth information

  • August 4, 2021 - Senator Shaheen speaks on the Senate floor and mentions PFAS at Pease, Testing for Pease, and Andrea Amico in her remarks | Video

  • August 13, 2021 - Senator Shaheen successful in getting $10 billion dollars allocated for PFAS in historic bipartisan Infrastructure bill | Press Release

Jul 2021

  • July 12, 2021 - EPA Identifies Drinking Water Contaminants for Potential Regulation | Press Release

  • July 21, 2021 - House Passes Bipartisan PFAS Action Act with Key Pappas Provisions | Article | Video

  • July 23, 2021 - PFAS health study gets $15 million secured by Shaheen | Article

Jun 2021

  • June 9, 2021 - Pease Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) ***virtual*** meeting from 4-6pm | Flyer | Register | Agenda | Presentation | Video

  • June 10, 2021 - The City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group meets virtually from 6:30-8:30pm | Agenda | Video

  • June 18, 2021 - In Depth NH: Portsmouth Activist Andrea Amico Talks PFAS With Roger Wood | Article

May 2021

Apr 2021

  • April 6, 2021 - The City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group meets virtually from 6:30-8:30pm | Agenda | Video

  • April 13, 2021 - Groundbreaking studies on 'forever chemicals' ramping up | News Segment

  • April 14, 2021 - Pappas’s Bipartisan PFAS Legislation Praised by Local Advocates | Press Release

  • April 14, 2021 - The Intercept: Indoor Dust Contains PFAS and Other Toxic Chemicals | Article

  • April 18, 2021 - Shaheen, Rounds Reintroduce Bill to Help Service Members & Their Families Exposed to PFAS Contamination | Press Release

  • April 20, 2021 - PFAS-Tox Database goes live | Website

  • April 20, 2021 - Shaheen Raises PFAS Contamination in Hearing with Biden Admin Officials on American Jobs Plan | Video

  • April 21, 2021 - Pease study in Portsmouth seeking participants | Article# 1 | Article# 2

  • April 29, 2021 - Shaheen Delivers Remarks on her Amendment to Address PFAS in Drinking Water Infrastructure Bill | Video

Mar 2021

  • March 9, 2021 - Andrea Amico speaks on a panel coordinated by EWG: Toxic Forever Chemicals in Defense Communities | Video

  • March 10, 2021 - Pease Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) ***virtual*** meeting from 4-6pm | Register | Flyer | Agenda | Video

  • March 31, 2021 - Consumer Reports: How Safe Is Our Drinking Water? | Article

Feb 2021

Jan 2021

  • January 11, 2021 - Communities poisoned by ‘forever’ chemicals release new video calling on President-Elect Biden to act | Videos

  • January 23, 2021 - Clean water advocate urges Biden, EPA to focus on PFAS chemicals | Article

  • January 28, 2021 - Andrea Amico presents at the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources (IJNR) PFAS Workshop

  • January 30, 2021 - Pentagon needs ‘culture change’ on pollution, say PFAS caucus members | Article

Dec 2020

  • December 2, 2020 - Air Force Pease RAB Meeting (***virtual meeting/online only***) 4-6pm | Flyer | Agenda | Video

  • December 7, 2020 - The Intercept: PFAS CHEMICAL ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE COVID-19 | Article

  • December 8, 2020 - News Center Maine: EPA makes a move to monitor 'forever chemicals' in wastewater | News Segment

  • December 11, 2020 - Risk of PFAS Sabotaging Covid Vaccines’ Promise Spurs Study | Article

  • December 15, 2020 - First meeting of the City of Portsmouth Safe Water Advisory Group (SWAG) | Agenda | Video | Website | Slides

  • December 17, 2020 - The Guardian: Opinion by Rob Billot - The poison found in everyone, even unborn babies – and who is responsible for it | Article

  • December 18, 2020 - News Center Maine: Can 'forever chemicals' make Covid-19 vaccines less effective? | News Segment

  • December 22, 2020 - Shaheen secures $15 million more for PFAS health study | Article

  • December 22, 2020 - Spending Bill Provides Nearly $300 Million To Address ‘Forever Chemicals’ | Article

  • December 28, 2020 - Erin Brockovich Blasts U.S. Regulation of Toxic Chemicals | Article

Nov 2020

  • November 2020 - Consumer Reports Magazine: Your Guide to Safer Drinking Water | Report

  • November 4, 2020 - NH Governor Sununu writes letter to UDS Air Force asking for reimbursement in absence of AF providing clean water to homes in Newington | Letter | Article

  • November 10, 2020 - US EPA responds to Pease RAB community letter sent on 10/7/2020 | Letter

  • November 12, 2020 - ATSDR releases “Pease Condensed Historical Reconstruction Report” dated 8/20/2020| Report

  • November 17, 2020 - Guardian article: “Covid: chemicals found in everyday products could hinder vaccine” | Article

  • November 23, 2020 - Agricultural water contaminated with “forever chemicals” could taint produce, Colorado study finds | Article

Oct 2020

  • October 7, 2020 - Pease RAB community members send letter to the US EPA re: their authority to order the Air Force to provide clean water to private wells in Newington with PFAS levels above the NH state MCLs | Letter

  • October 15, 2020 - CDC Pease PFAS Health Study officially re-opens after being paused in mid March due to COVID-19. Media event held at the Pease Study office and Senator Shaheen attended the event to promote the study re-opening. To enroll in the CDC PFAS Pease Health Study, please call 603-846-6192 | Article 1 | Article 2 | News Segment 1 | News Segment 2 | News Segment 3

  • October 21, 2020 - Assistant Secretary of the Air Force responds to the NH Congressional Delegation letter sent to the Air Force on 9/22/2020 requesting the AF comply with NH MCLs for PFAS and provide clean water to private well owners in Newington. The Air Force will not comply with NH state standards and will continue to follow US EPA’s LHA | Air Force letter

  • October 23, 2020 - Andrea Amico is part of a PFAS Roundtable discussion hosted by EWG and featuring actor Mark Ruffalo and NH Congressman Chris Pappas | Video

  • October 26-27, 2020 - Workshop on Federal Government Human Health PFAS Research (2-Day Virtual Workshop | October 26-27, 2020 | Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology) | Watch Workshop

Sep 2020

  • September 2, 2020 - Air Force responds to NH DES request on 8/20/2020 and will not provide bottled water to private well owners in Newington w/PFAS exceeding NH PFAS MCLs | Letter

  • September 11, 2020 - Shaheen Leads Call to Senate Appropriators to Prioritize Funding & Policy Initiatives to Combat PFAS Exposure in FY 21 Government Funding Legislation | Letter | Press Release

  • September 18, 2020 - Pease RAB members send letter to AIr Force, NH DES, and US EPA Region 1 requesting clean water be provided to Newington homes with PFAS levels exceeding NH DES PFAS MCLs | Letter | Article

  • September 21, 2020 - TFP presents the PFAS Community Perspective to UNH Engineering students for the 5th year in a row.

  • September 21, 2020 - ATSDR Pease CAP (Virtual) Meeting | Flyer | Agenda | Zoom Info | Video

  • September 22, 2020 - Andrea Amico speaks on a discussion panel with Attorney Rob Billot re: the PFAS Film Dark Waters in an event sponsored by the NH Sierra Club

  • September 22, 2020 - NH Congressional Delegation writes letter to Air Force requesting they comply with NH DES PFAS MCLs by taking action now to provide a clean, safe source of water for 5 homes in Newington with PFAS above the NH DES PFAS MCLs | Letter

  • September 25, 2020 - CDC Director Robert Redfield responds to Senator Shaheen’s letter re: Covid 19 and PFAS | Letter

    Aug 2020

  • August 5, 2020 - Air Force Pease RAB Meeting (***virtual meeting/online only***) | Flyer | Agenda | Slides | Video | Article

  • August 6, 2020 - Andrea Amico is featured in a campaign ad for Senator Jeanne Shaheen titled “Senator Shaheen Makes a Difference for NH Families Impacted by PFAS Contamination” | Video

  • August 20, 2020 - NH DES writes letter to Air Force asking them to comply with NH DES PFAS MCLs and provide bottled water to private homes in Newington, NH | Letter

July 2020

Jun 2020

May 2020

  • May 2, 2020 - Environmental groups file brief in landmark PFAS case in NH | Article

  • May 9, 2020 - Shaheen, Hassan Secure NH Priorities in Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill to Address Mitigation Efforts at Hampton & Portsmouth Harbors | Press Release

Apr 2020

  • April 6, 2020 - Pease PFAS health study halted amid pandemic | Article |ATSDR website

  • April 13, 2020 - Human Health Risk Assessment of Fish Consumption and Detected PFAS at Squam Lake | Report

  • April 29, 2020 - Op-ed in The Guardian on PFAS and Covid-19 | Article

  • April 30, 2020 - ATSDR releases their Public Health Consultation on the PFAS in Pease Private Residential Drinking Water Wells | Report | ATSDR site

Mar 2020

  • March 18, 2020 - Pease RAB meeting from 6-9pm ***cancelled due to COVID-19***|Cancellation Notice

  • March 20, 2020 - ATSDR Pease Public Health Consultation document finalized and made public | Document

  • March 24, 2020 - ATSDR Pease CAP meeting on Pease ***changed to conference call d/t COVID-19*** | Flyer | Agenda | Transcript

Feb 2020

  • February 4, 2020 - ATSDR hosts community meeting on Pease with Child Life Specialist for parents to address questions and concerns re: their child(ren) participation in the study | Flyer | Video

  • February 5, 2020 - ATSDR hosts drop in hours with the Child Life Specialist at the Pease Study office for parents

  • February 7, 2020 - PFAS Deer data from Pease per the NH Fish & Game | Data | NH Fish & Game Website

  • February 10, 2020 - City of Portsmouth Pease Tradeport Water Supply Update

  • February 14, 2020 - Shaheen, Gillibrand Lead Group of 30 Senators Calling on EPA to Deliver on Promises Made in PFAS Action Plan | Letter

  • February 19, 2020 - No Defense documentary premieres in Ann Arbor Michigan | Article

  • February 20, 2020 - From PBB to PFAS: Research and Action to Address Michigan’s Large-Scale Chemical Contaminations | Video

Jan 2020

Dec 2019

  • December 5, 2019 - Pease RAB Meeting, 5-8pm at the NH DES Office on Pease | Agenda | Video (part 1) | Video (part 2)

  • December 5, 2019 - Dr Chris Higgins from Colorado School of Mines presents Pease Non Target Analysis Project data, 8-9pm at the NH DES office on Pease | Flyer | Video

  • December 6, 2019 - First round of tap samples taken from the City of Portsmouth on 10/25/2019 results received from BV labs | tap sample test results | Tap Sample Project Overview

  • December 9, 2019 - NDAA includes multiple PFAS provisions with some provisions left out | Senator Shaheen Press Release

  • December 13, 2019 - Testing for Pease, EWG, & NH Safe Water Alliance host a showing of the PFAS movie Dark Waters in Newington, NH | Dark Waters Movie Trailer

  • December 16, 2019 - Senator Shaheen secures an additional $10 million for national PFAS health study and funding to study personal protective equipment (PPE) | Press Release

Nov 2019

  • November 6, 2019 - CDC responds to Senator Shaheen’s letter re: medical monitoring |Letter

  • November 19, 2019 - Andrea Amico presents at the CDC Grand Rounds event on PFAS in Atlanta | Save the Date | Video

  • November 22, 2019 - Pease RAB monthly newsletter from the US Air Force | Newsletter

Oct 2019

Sept 2019

  • September 5, 2019 - ATSDR Pease CAP meeting | Agenda | Video (part 1) (part 2)

  • September 12, 2019 - Andrea Amico speaks on a Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce event.

  • September 13, 2019 - Andrea Amico selected as a TEDx speaker at the Portsmouth Music Hall | Event Info | TEDx Talk

  • September 18, 2019 - Pease RAB meeting | Flyer | Agenda | Slides | Video (part 1) (part 2)

  • September 18, 2019 - Senator Shaheen sends letter to CDC advocating for medical monitoring | Letter

Aug 2019

  • August 2, 2019 - Andrea Amico appears on WSCA Public Radio: Hosted by The Environmental Hour WSCA 106.1 FM

  • August 30, 2019 - Andrea Amico, Lindsey Carmichael, and Dr Loretta Fernandez (from Northeastern University) meet with City of Portsmouth DPW staff to discuss the Testing For Pease Portsmouth PFAS Tap Sampling Program | Project Overview

Jul 2019

  • July 2, 2019 - Pappas And Kuster Introduce Legislation To Decrease PFAS Contamination And Hold Polluters Accountable | Article

  • July 8, 2019 - Great Bay Shellfish Test Results Raise Concerns About PFAS | Article

  • July 11, 2019 - Shaheen & Hassan Urge EPA on PFAS Pollution | Article

  • July 12, 2019 - Some bottled water tested for elevated levels of PFAS | Article | Article | Article

  • July 13, 2019 - US Senator Elizabeth Warren Op Ed: “No more excuses – Granite Staters deserve real action to combat PFAS” | Article

  • July 18, 2019 - NH DES 4 MCLs are accepted by the JLCAR | Article | TV coverage | NHPR

  • July 19, 2019 - Portsmouth Water System PFAS Update after NH DES MCLs accepted | Update

  • July 23, 2019 - Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy, John Henderson, visits Pease for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Pease AIMS plant | Article | Article | TV coverage

  • July 24, 2019 - New Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, announces DoD PFAS Task Force | Article | Article | DoD Memo

  • July 24, 2019 - Committee on Oversight & Reform Congressional hearing: “The Devil They Knew – PFAS Contamination and the Need for Corporate Accountability” | Video

  • July 24, 2019 - NH DES issues press release quoting NH DES Commissioner saying PFAS should be regulated as a class | Press Release

  • July 26, 2019 - News Center Maine Coverage: Pease moms still in the dark about kids' exposure to PFAS

  • July 30, 2019 - 22 Attorney Generals nationwide sign a letter “Urging Congress To Act On Toxic ‘Forever' Chemicals" | Letter

Jun 2019

  • June 1, 2019 - Andrea Amico speaks on a panel re: PFAS at the Piscataqua Riverfest put on by the Gundalow Company

  • June 2, 2019 - ATSDR Pease CAP Meeting on Pease at the NH DES office from 6:30-9:30 pm | Flyer | Agenda | Video (part 1) | Video (part 2) | Article

  • June 10, 11, 12, 2019 - 2nd National PFAS Conference at Northeastern University | Conference

  • June 18, 2019 - Intercept: Teflon Toxin Safety Level Should Be 700 Times Lower Than Current EPA Guideline | Article

  • June 26, 2019 - Air Force Pease RAB meeting on Pease at the NH DES office from 6:00-8:30 pm | Agenda | Slides | Video

  • June 28, 2019 - NH DES releases much lower proposed MCLs for 4 PFAS | Article

May 2019

  • May 1, 2019 - Shaheen, Portman reintroduce bill on PFAS health effects | Article

  • May 7, 2019 - New study claims 43 states expose millions to dangerous chemical in drinking water | News Segment

  • May 10, 2019 - Senators’ bill looks to address PFAS at military bases | Article

  • May 16, 2019 - Air Force puts out a monthly newsletter for the Pease RAB | Newsletter

  • May 16, 2019 - Air Force creates an Overview of the Air Force BRAC Environmental Restoration Program | Slides

  • May 22, 2019 - US Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works hearing on PFAS: Examining Legislation to Address the Risks Associated with Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | Video

  • May 25, 2019 - Amico still fighting against threat of PFAS | Article

  • May 29, 2019 - NH sues 3M, DuPont, 6 other companies over PFAS contamination | Article

  • May 30, 2019 - Pease group files suit against PFAS manufacturers | Article

April 2019

  • April 1, 2019 - ATSDR releases their Public Health Consultation on PFAS in the Pease Tradeport Public Water System | Report | Fact Sheet | Press Release

  • April 4, 2019 - Lawmakers file bill to treat vets exposed to PFAS | Article

  • April 4, 2019 - Shaheen Presses Secretary Wilson on KC-46 Delivery to Pease and Toxic Chemical Impact on Guardsmen | Video

  • April 18, 2019 - Air Force puts out a monthly newsletter for the Pease RAB | Newsletter

Mar 2019

  • March 7, 2019 - Air Force Pease RAB meeting on Pease at the NH DES office from 6:30-9:30 pm |Flyer | Agenda | Slides

  • March 12, 2019 - NH DES hosts public comment session on their proposed MCLs for 4 PFAS | Meeting Info | Article

Feb 2019

Jan 2019

Dec 2018

  • December 7, 2018 - Air National Guard on Pease hosts a listening session for ANG members and their health concerns | Article

  • December 7, 2018 - Michigan PFAS Science Advisory Panel releases report titled: “Scientific Evidence and Recommendations for Managing PFAS Contamination in Michigan” | Report

  • December 13, 2018 - Senator Shaheen and 22 other members of the US Senate send a letter to CDC & ATSDR advocating for firefighters to be studied | Letter

  • December 18, 2018 - State of NY Drinking Water Quality Council recommend 10 ppt for PFOS & 10 ppt for PFOA | Press Release

  • December 19, 2018 - Conservative Law Foundation in addition to multiple NH community groups sign a petition to NH DES to regulate PFAS as a class | Petition | Article | Article

Nov 2018

  • November 7, 2018 - EPA & US Senator Jeanne Shaheen present Andrea Amico with the Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award

  • November 8, 2018 - EPA Awards More Than $27 Million to New Hampshire to Support Local Clean Water Projects | Press Release

  • November 9, 2018 - Testing for Pease participates on a panel on PFAS to share the community perspective at a NH Medical Society Annual Event. US Senator Jeanne Shaheen also attends and speaks at the event later in the evening | Article

  • November 9, 2018 - Portsmouth Herald editorial: “Thumbs up to Andrea Amico, Testing for Pease activists”

  • November 13, 2018 - PFAS Reach team hosts information session at Great Bay Kids Company on Pease | Article | FAQ

  • November 14, 2018 - PFAS Reach team hosts information session at Great Bay Kids Company on Pease | Article | FAQ

  • November 14, 2018 - EPA seeks public input on draft toxicity assessments for PFAS chemicals (Gen X & PFBS) | Press Release

  • November 19, 2018 - EPA’s Dr Peter Grevatt announces his retirement | Article

  • November 21, 2018 - EPA releases new tools to test and treat additional PFAS, including GenX, in drinking water | Press Release

  • November 30, 2018 - NH Congressional Delegation sends letter to DoD & VA requesting assistance looking into high rates of cancers at Pease | Letter

Oct 2018

  • October 1, 2018 - Andrea Amico receives a 2018 National Notable Achievement Awards award from EPA Region 1 Administrator for “Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award”

  • October 1, 2018 - Testing for Pease presents the Pease Non Target Analysis Project to the Portsmouth City Council | Video | Slides

  • October 1, 2018 - City of Portsmouth (Brian Goetz) presents Pease Tradeport Water System Update to Portsmouth City Council | Video | Slides

  • October 3, 2018 - Senator Shaheen introduces legislation to the FAA reauthorization bill that sets a deadline of three years to phase out the mandatory use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams for commercial aircraft manufacturers or our nation’s airports | Press Release | Article

  • October 4, 2018 - Silent Spring Institute announces their awarding of a federal grant to study immune function in children at Pease | Press Release | Article

  • October 5, 2018 - Testing for Pease presents their community story to UNH Engineering students for the third year in a row

  • October 7, 2048 - Portsmouth Herald article: Amico ‘a true hero’ in fight against PFAS

  • October 10, 2018 - Pease RAB Meeting on Pease, 6:30-8:30pm, Great Bay Community College Room 122, 320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801| Agenda

  • October 15, 2018 - Save the date for the next National PFAS conference at Northeastern University on June 10-11, 2019 | Save the Date

  • October 18, 2018 - NH DES hosts “Stakeholder and Technical Work Sessions on Setting Public Drinking Water Standards for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, & PFHxS” | Meeting Notice | Slides

  • October 26, 2018 - ATSDR Pease Proof of Concept (Docket No. ATSDR-2018-0008) public comments are due | Federal Registrar | Submit Public Comments Online

 

 

Sept 2018

  • September 6, 2018 - The Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing today in DC entitled, “Perfluorinated Chemicals in the Environment: An Update on the Response to Contamination and Challenges Presented.” | Video

  • September 20, 2018 - ATSDR in Person Pease CAP Meeting at NH DES Office on Pease from 6-9pm | Flyer | Agenda | Video

  • September 26, 2018 - Andrea Amico testifies at US Senate Subcommittee hearing: The Federal Role in the Toxic PFAS Chemical Crisis (Andrea’s verbal testimony starts around 1:45:30) | Video | Written Statement

Aug 2018

  • August 1, 2018 - US EPA Administrator Wheeler speaks at The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing titled, “Examining EPA’s Agenda: Protecting the Environment and Allowing America’s Economy to Grow.” | Video

Jul 2018

Jun 2018

  • June 1, 2018 - Andrea Amico sends follow up letter to EPA Adminstrators Scott Pruitt & Alexandra Dunn | Letter

  • June 1, 2018 - EPA Science Advisory Board presentation on PFAS | EPA Presentation

  • June 3, 2018 - TFP founders & Lindsey Carmichael (Pease CAP member & Portsmouth resident) send letter to ATSDR & HHS directors demanding release of the ATSDR report on PFAS | Letter

  • June 5 & 6, 2018 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (BSC, NCEH/ ATSDR) | Meeting Notice

  • June 8, 2018 - Multiple US Senators send letter to EPA & HHS directors requesting release of ATSDR study | Letter

  • June 25 & 26, 2018 - EPA New England (Region 1) will host the first Regional PFAS workshop at Exeter High School. June 25, 2018 meeting time = 4:30pm to 10pm & June 26, 2018 meeting time = 8am to 3pm | EPA Meeting Notice | Agenda | Video

  • June 26, 2018 - California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment writes memo recommending CA use interim notification levels for PFOA & PFOS based on data and recommendations from New Jersey | Memo

  • June 27, 2018 - Pease RAB meeting on Pease, 6:30-8:30pm, NH DES Office on Pease | Agenda

  • June 27, 2018 - NH DHHS closes the PFAS Blood Testing Program | Website Notice

  • June 29, 2018 - US Senators Maggie Hassan & Jeanne Shaheen write a letter to the EPA urging them to take action | Letter | Article

May 2018

  • May 8, 2018 - Andrea Amico and other community leaders from Massachusetts meet with EPA Region 1 Administrator Alexandra Dunn and her team at the EPA Office in Boston to discuss the National EPA PFAS Summit scheduled for May 23 & 23 in DC | Letter given to Dunn at the meeting

  • May 10, 2018 - ATSDR announces that Pease will be the first community to be part of the mult site PFAS study | Article

  • May 10, 2018 - ATSDR Pease CAP meeting on Pease, 6-9pm, NH DES Office on Pease | Flyer | Agenda | Video

  • May 14, 2018 - Politico Article titled "White House, EPA headed off chemical pollution study" stating EPA blocking ATSDR study that would recommend lower PFAS levels to protect public health | Article

  • May 14, 2018 - NH Congressional Delegation sends letter to EPA demanding they release the ATSDR study ASAP | Letter | Article

  • May 21, 2018 - EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt sends letter to Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee stating he does not have the authority to release the ATSDR study | Letter

  • May 22 & 23, 2018 - EPA Hosts a National Leadership PFAS Summit in Washington DC | Agenda ***Andrea Amico attends day 1 of the summit and has a personal meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt | Article# 1 | Article # 2 ***

  • May 31, 2018 - Andrea Amico & Alayna Davis of Testing for Pease speak on Portsmouth Community Radio WSCA to discuss Andrea's recent trip to the EPA Summit in DC, the ATSDR health study, and more.

Apr 2018

  • April 5, 2018 - Members from the Pease RAB & Pease CAP meet with Assistant Secretary of the Air Force John Henderson and US Senator Jeanne Shaheen to discuss the contamination remediation efforts at Pease and the PFAS health study funded by DoD | Article

  • April 13, 2018 - 25 US Senators send a letter to the EPA requesting "they "expeditiously declare an MCL for all PFAS" | Letter

  • April 16, 2018 - Andrea Amico & Lindsey Carmichael speak at a public hearing at the Portsmouth City Council advocating that the city appropriate funds to filter Portsmouth schools (drinking & cooking) water | Video

  • April 24, 2018 - US Senator Jeanne Shaheen questions the Secretary of the Air Force about the PFAS study | Article | Video

Mar 2018

  • March 5, 2018 - Deputy Director of DPW, Brian Goetz, presents update to Portsmouth City Council | Video | Slides

  • March 6, 2018 - NH Governor Chris Sununu sends letter to ATSDR advocating Pease be in the national health study | Letter

  • March 13, 2018 - PFASs/Teflon Documents from Sharon Lerner (The Intercept) | Documents

  • March 14, 2018 - US Air Force Pease RAB meeting at GBCC at 6:30 pm | Flyer | Agenda

  • March 19, 2018 - TFP participate in a round table discussion with the Portsmouth City Council on filtering water at Portsmouth public schools and non target analysis | TFP Slides | Video | City Slides

  • March 20, 2018 - NBC 10 Boston News Coverage | Some in Portsmouth, NH Raise Concerns About Drinking Water

  • March 21, 2018 - US Senator Jeanne Shaheen is successful in getting $7 million dollars appropriated for a mult site health study on PFASs | Press Release

  • March 22, 2018 - Andrea Amico participates in Portsmouth Community Radio WSCA radio discussion on World Water Day | Radio Interview

Feb 2018

  • February 20, 2018 - 3M settles groundwater lawsuit for $850 million | Article

  • February 20, 2018 - News Center Maine (Portland): Kids Drinking Toxic Water? These Moms Have Had Enough | News Segment

Jan 2018

  • Janaury 11, 2018 - In person ATSDR CAP meeting on Pease | Flyer | Agenda | Video

  • January 18, 2018 - NH Congressional Delegation writes a letter to ATSDR & DoD advocating Pease being in health studies | Letter | Article

  • January 18, 2018- US Senator Jeanne Shaheen questions Air Force official candidate, Colonel Henderson, on PFC health study (time stamp 1:01:15) | Video

Dec 2017

  • December 1, 2017 -TFP members presenting the Pease community story at the Root Skills Conference in Manchester, NH | Root Skills Conference

  • December 12, 2017 - NDAA signed into law by President Trump today | Article

  • December 15, 2017 - Updated NHANES data released on pediatric PFAS levels | Article

  • December 20, 2017 - Air Force recruits additional community members for the Pease RAB | Application

  • December 22, 2017 - EPA responds to City of Portsmouth Mayor Blalock's letter requesting additional testing at Pease | Letter

Nov 2017

  • November 7, 2017 - City of Portsmouth releases two updates on Pease | Portsmouth Water System PFC Sampling Update | Pease Tradeport Water Supply Update

  • November 8, 2017 - TFP will be presenting on a national PFAS webinar/call titled: The Social and Scientific Discovery of a Class of Emerging Contaminants: Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemicals |Podcast & Slides

  • November 8, 2017 - Senator Shaheen announces her final Senate- and House-negotiated defense authorization bill that includes her bipartisan amendment to pay for the first-ever study on the health effects of PFC exposure in drinking water | Article

  • November 9, 2017 - Members from TFP meet with Portsmouth city officials to discuss PFAS levels in the city supplied drinking water and to discuss additional PFAS water sampling opportunities at Pease.

  • November 13, 2017 - ATSDR releases the final version of the Pease Feasibility Assessment

  • November 14, 2017 - NDAA passes the House | Amendment pertaining to National PFAS Health Study

  • November 14, 2017 - Proposal for coordinated health research in PFAS-contaminated communities in the United States published in Environmental Health | Scientists Letter

  • November 14, 2017 - NH State Rep Mindi Messmer announces run for Congress | NHPR Article

  • November 16, 2017 - NDAA passes the Senate | Amendment pertaining to National PFAS Health Study

  • November 22, 2017 - The Intell publishes an article titled: Records: Military knew of firefighting foam hazards in 1995

  • November 29. 2017 - City of Portsmouth Mayor, Jack Blalock, writes letter to EPA asking for technical assistance testing in testing for additional PFASs in Pease water (beyond the 23 PFASs currently being tested for) | Letter

Oct 2017

  • October 24, 2017 - Air Force RAB meeting on Pease | Agenda | Slides | Summary

  • October 9, 2017 - TFP members send email to City of Portsmouth Officials, Mayor, and City Council requesting an in person meeting to discuss Portsmouth water supply

Sept 2017

  • September 1, 2017 - TFP launches national letter writing campaign to federal officials requesting National PFC/PFAS Health Study support campaign launches | Letter Writing Campaign

  • September 5, 2017 - Attorney Rob Billot writes letter to ATSDR re: Request for Coordinated Nationwide PFAS Health Study And Testing And Notice of Intent to Sue | Letter

  • September 6, 2017 - Pediatric Cancer Cluster Task Force. TFP leaders advocate for medical monitoring | Article | Video

  • September 18, 2017 - The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act that passed the U.S. Senate | Article

  • September 20, 2017 - TFP Andrea Amico interviews with Veterans Radio | Radio Interview

  • September 25, 2017 - Members from TFP met with NH DHHS to discuss the community's need for medical monitoring

  • September 25,2017 - Members from TFP presented the Pease community story to UNH Engineering students

  • September 26, 2017 - Air Force, NH DES, & EPA meet with Newington Residents to discuss water concerns | Flyer

Aug 2017

  • August 14, 2017 - NJ DEP to regulate carcinogenic chemicals in drinking water | News Segment

  • August 14, 2017 - Testing for Pease is featured in a documentary called Troubled Waters: Military bases' contamination will affect water for generations | Pease Video

  • August 15, 2017 - Harvard, University of Rhode Island researchers to study chemical contamination of US waters | Article

  • August 20, 2017 - Andrea Amico writes a letter to the editor supporting medical monitoring for the Pease community | Letter

  • August 22, 2017 - Testing for Pease is featured on the Center for Public Integrity website: Military bases' contamination will affect water for generations

  • August 24, 2017 - NH Delegation Calls for Community Update on Water Contamination | Letter | Press Release

  • August 24, 2017 - Multiple state health department leaders send letter to CDC requesting national PFC health study | Letter

  • August 28, 2017 - ATSDR Pease CAP meeting at NH DES office on Pease from 6pm to 9pm | Flyer | Agenda | Video Part 1 | Video Part 2 | Transcript

  • August 30, 2017 - Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter visits Pease and Coakley Landfill to discuss contamination issues | Article

  • August 31, 2017 - Multiple US Senators send a letter to the Appropriations Committee advocating for funding for national PFC health study | Letter

Jul 2017

  • July 5, 2017 - TFP sends letter to NH DHHS commissioner requesting Pease PFAS blood samples be saved | Letter

  • July 6, 2017 - TFP co founder Andrea Amico is interviewed with NH State Rep Mindi Messmer on Portsmouth Community Radio.

  • July 12, 2017 - Deadline for the CAP to submit written comments on the feasibility assessment to ATSDR. Please email us at info@testingforpease.com with your feedback to share with ATSDR.

  • July 21, 2017 - Air Force Press Release: Air Force continues attack on PFOS/PFOA issues at Pease

  • July 26, 2017 - Air Force RAB meeting on Pease from 6:30-9pm at Great Bay Community College | Flyer | Agenda | Slides

  • July 27, 2017 - House Adopts Shea-Porter Amendment Authorizing $7 Million for PFC Health Study | Press Release

  • July 31, 2017 - NH State Reps send letter to NH Congressional Delegation: Request for Assistance with Issues relating to Coakley Landfill Superfund Site and Pease Air Force Base | Letter

 

Jun 2017

  • June 6, 2017 - Senator Jeanne Shaheen questions a top Air Force official about funding a Pease health study

  • June 6, 2017 - Research paper published stating GAC filters may not be effective treatment for PFASs in drinking water.

  • June 14, 2017 - Air Force RAB meeting on Pease | Flyer | Agenda ***MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO CONFLICT WITH PFAS CONFERENCE IN BOSTON***

  • June 14 & 15, 2017 - 2 day conference on PFAS conference Highly Fluorinated Compounds – Social and Scientific Discovery | Northeastern University, Boston, MA | Flyer | Presentations/Videos | Speakers BioSchedule | Speakers Bio

  • June 22, 2017 - NH DES sends letter to US EPA requesting assistance with testing for PFAS in the state of NH | Letter

  • June 23, 2017 - Testing for Pease, in partnership with Northeastern University and Silent Spring Institute, are applying for a grant to conduct a pediatric health study on the immune system of children impacted by PFAS at Pease. Please watch the video and provide us with your feedback

  • June 26, 2017 - Testing for Pease members speak at a Mindful Monday event at the Stone Church titled "What’s In Our Seacoast Water & What We Can Do About It?" | Flyer | Agenda

  • June 26, 2017 - Pease Annual Water Quality Report for 2016 released by the City of Portsmouth | Press Release | Report

  • June 28, 2017 - US Senator Jeanne Shaheen sponsors an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), to authorize funding for a national health study on PFCs | Press Release | Article

 

May 2017

Apr 2017

 

Mar 2017

Feb 2017

  • February 3, 2017 - City of Portsmouth issues a press release with an update on the treatment of Pease wells

  • February 7, 2017 - ***CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW*** ATSDR Pease CAP meeting on Pease | Flyer | Agenda

  • February 8, 2017 - NH Legislative Hearings for proposed bills HB 484 & HB 511 in Concord, NH

  • February 11, 2017 - NH Safe Water Alliance Members speak at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth, NH about water contamination in our seacoast communities

  • February 13, 2017 - DuPont to pay $670 million to settle C8 lawsuits

  • February 22, 2017 - Representative Mindi Messmer's bills (HB 485 and HB 431) pass the Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee. Votes = 18-1 to support HB 485 and 19-0 to support HB 431. | Article

  • February 28, 2017 - Representative Mindi Messmer's bills (HB 484 and HB 511) unanimously pass the Health and Human Services Committee with a vote of 21-0 | Article

Jan 2017

  • January 1, 2017 - Testing for Pease sends a letter to Governor Maggie Hassan thanking her for her support and congratulating her on being elected as a U.S. Senator.

  • January 5, 2017 – Testing for Pease meets with the Greenland Safe Water Action, State Representative Mindi Messmer, State Representative Renny Cushing and other community members to collaborate and form the New Hampshire Safe Water Alliance

  • January 9, 2017 - Testing for Pease sends a letter to Governor Christopher Sununu congratulating him on being elected Governor of New Hampshire and provides an introduction and background on the Pease water contamination.

  • January 9, 2017 - City of Portsmouth Deputy DPW Director gives update to ATSDR Pease CAP via conference call | slideshow

  • January 9, 2017 – The bills that State Representative Messmer filed are available for public viewing:

    • HB485. This bill requires the Department of Environmental Services to use exposure scenarios in children and other vulnerable populations (most conservative approach) to determine criteria for emerging contaminants in drinking water;

    • HB511. This bill would establish a commission to study creating a public health oversight program within the Department of Health and Human Services;

    • HB484. This bill would establish a commission on the seacoast cancer cluster investigation;

    • HB431. This bill would establish a commission to study long term goals and requirements for drinking water in the seacoast area.

  • January 19, 2017 - New England & New Hampshire Water Works Meeting on Pease. NH DES gives an update on state wide efforts surrounding PFCs | Slideshow | Article

  • January 24, 2017 - NH Legislative Hearings for proposed bills HB 485 & HB 431 | Hearing Notice

 

Dec 2016

  • December 5, 2016 - Testing for Pease presents a brief update of the community accomplishments of 2016 and future action items to the Portsmouth City Council | slideshow | video

  • December 5, 2016 - Brian Goetz (Deputy DPW director for City of Portsmouth) presents an update on the Pease water treatment system to the Portsmouth city council | slideshow | video

  • December 19, 2016 - Testing for Pease advocates to the Portsmouth City Council for the municipal water to be provided to Greenland Residents | Letter | Video

  • December 22, 2016 – Announcement in Seacoast Online that State Representative Mindi Messmer has filed water protection bills. Read Article.

  • December 23, 2016 - Testing for Pease sends a letter to U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte thanking her for her support.

 

Nov 2016

  • November 1, 2016 - Air Force announces plan to install two groundwater treatment systems at Pease | Press Release

  • November 14, 2016 - The Conservation Law Foundation files a $110 million dollar lawsuit in federal court alleging stormwater runoff from the Pease Development Authority is polluting area waterways | Article

  • November 16, 2016 - US EPA issues new documents on "Supporting Documents for Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS"

  • November 28, 2016 - Former City Councilor Stefany Shaheen writes a letter to Governor-elect, Chris Sununu, to establish a statewide commission on water safety | Article

  • November 28, 2016 – Testing for Pease meets with Senator Martha Fuller Clark, newly elected State Representative Mindi Messmer, and CAP member and Portsmouth resident Lindsey Carmichael regarding legislation that State Representative Messmer plans to file.

 

Oct 2016

 

Sept 2016

 

Aug 2016

 

Jul 2016

  • July 5, 2016 - Testing for Pease members and Portsmouth City Councilor Nancy Pearson send a letter to NH DHHS Deputy Commissioner Marilee Nihan with recommendations from the Pease community on next steps. Letter (PDF)

  • July 13, 2016 - NH DHHS re-opens PFC blood testing to the community. Register online.

  • July 14, 2016 - Air Force hosts RAB meeting that includes a Pease bus tour of various clean up sites. RAB Tour Guide (PDF) | WCSH6 News Coverage of Tour

  • July 18, 2016 - US Senator Kelly Ayotte writes to the Dr. Thomas R. Frieden (Director, Center For Disease Control and Prevention) requesting that the CDC engage the residents of PFC impacted communities and public officials and to take an active role to study the long term effects of exposure to PFCs (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and other PFCs) Letter (PDF)

 

Jun 2016

June 16, 2016 - DHHS Public Meeting On Pease Tradeport PFC Blood Testing Results

  • June 16, 2016 - NH DHHS Pease Blood Test Results meeting. Slideshow | Final Report.

  • June 16, 2016 - NH DHHS Deputy Commissioner announces that PFC blood testing for Pease community will re-open in "mid July". To sign up, contact NH DHHS by phone at (603) 271-9461 or email peasetesting@dhhs.state.nh.us

  • June 20, 2016 - NH DES sends letter to US EPA asking for more answers and information on PFCs that do not have EPA PHAs/recommendations| Letter

  • June 22, 2016 - Air Force announces they will offer a Pease RAB tour on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 10:00 am open to the public | Event Flyer (PDF)

  • June 30, 2016 - Elevated PFCs detected at Coakley Landfill as high as 1,108 ppt. Read article.

 

 

May 2016

Interpreting Your PFC Blood Test Results

First CAP Meeting with ATSDR






Apr 2016

 

Mar 2016

March 3, 2016 - Senator Ayotte questions Secretary of the Air Force on Haven Well clean up.

 

Jan - Feb 2016

February 16, 2016 - ATSDR presents to Portsmouth city council on upcoming CAP

The Air Force selects members for their RAB (Restoration Advisory Board) and the first RAB meeting open to the public is TBD. New Portsmouth Mayor Jack Blalock writes a letter to ATSDR recommending 5 former CAB members for the upcoming CAP with ATSDR. ATSDR presents to the Portsmouth City Council on February 16, 2016 and starts recruiting community members for the CAP.

  • January 2016 - Air Force selects members for the RAB. First RAB meeting is TBD.

  • February 9 , 2016 - Portsmouth Mayor Jack Blalock writes a letter to ATSDR recommending 5 former CAB members for the ATSDR CAP (PDF - letter is on page 6)

  • February 16, 2016 - ATSDR presents to Portsmouth City Council on upcoming CAP.

  • February 17, 2016 - ATSDR releases their CAP recruitment flyer and a press release on the upcoming CAP. Press Release | CAP Flyer (PDF)

 

Dec 2015

The CAB had their final meeting on December 1, 2015 as their work under the current city mayor and leadership came to an end. The CAB made recommendations that a CAP (community assistance panel) with ATSDR form in the near future to continue the work of the CAB to focus on long term health effects. The CAB chairman presented a summary of the CAB’s work and recommendations to the outgoing mayor and city council at the end of December.

  • December 1, 2015 - CAB final meeting to summarize the CAB’s work and discuss recommendations for the future mayor and city council. Meeting Minutes (PDF)

  • December 14, 2015 - US Air Force sends letters to former military and civilian members stationed on Pease between 1990 and 2014 informing them of the PFC contamination. Air Force letter (PDF)

  • December 21, 2015 - CAB chairman presents summary and recommendations to outgoing city of Portsmouth Mayor and City Council. CAB Final Report (PDF)

December 1, 2015 - Final CAB meeting

December 22, 2015 - CAB chairman presents final recommendations to Portsmouth mayor and city council

 

Sep - Nov 2015

September 9, 2015 - CAB meeting with NH DHHS presenting first round pediatric blood test results

The state presented the results of the pediatric blood test results from the first round of testing to the community on September 9, 2015. The CAB met with the federal agency ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry) to discuss possible ongoing health studies on the Pease community.

October 14, 2015 - CAB meeting with ATSDR

  • September 9, 2015 - CAB meeting with NH DHHS - Dr Benjamin Chan discusses the aggregate pediatric blood test results for the first round of testing. Dr Chan PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

  • September 25, 2015 - The Air Force agrees to treat ALL three wells on Pease. Read More

  • September 29, 2015 - CAB meeting to discuss the Air Force and the pediatric blood test results meeting. Meeting Minutes (PDF)

  • October 14, 2015 - CAB meeting with ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry) to discuss long term health studies in the Pease community. ATSDR PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

  • October 2016 - Second round of blood testing provided by NH DHHS closes. 1107 community members give blood samples in the second round of testing.

  • November 3, 2015 - CAB meeting with conference call with ATSDR and to discuss the future of the CAB. Meeting Minutes (PDF)

  • November 17, 2015 - CAB meeting to discuss follow up on the CAB’s questions submitted to ATSDR and the future of the CAB. Meeting Minutes (PDF)

  • November 2015 - US Air Force starts recruitment for Restoration Advisory Board. RAB Application (PDF)

 

 

Jul - Aug 2015

July 15, 2015 - CAB meeting with Dr. Alan Woolf, environmental pediatrician from Boston Children's Hospital

The EPA ordered the Air Force to treat the Haven well on Pease for PFCs and to design a contingency treatment plan for the Smith and Harrison wells on Pease. CAB meeting occurred on July 15, 2015 with an Environmental Pediatrician from Boston’s Children Hospital to discuss what is known about PFC contamination and children. There were ongoing discussions and advocacy for the state to open a second round of testing given the heightened community interest in getting their blood tested.  The CAB met with the US Air Force on August 26, 2015 to discuss the treatment and clean up of the contaminated wells on Pease Tradeport.

August 26, 2015 - CAB meeting with U.S. Air Force to discuss Pease PFC contamination

  • July 8, 2015 - US EPA issues order on the US Air Force | Order

  • July 10, 2015 - The EPA orders the US Air Force to treat the Haven well and the design a contingency treatment plan for the Smith and Harrison wells on Pease. Read More

  • July 15, 2015 - CAB meeting with Environmental Pediatrician from Boston Children’s Hospital (Dr Alan Woolf). PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

  • July 28, 2015 - CAB meeting to discuss pediatric aggregate test results and additional testing. Meeting Minutes (PDF)

  • August 12, 2015 - CAB meeting to discuss second round of testing and pediatric blood test results. Meeting Minutes (PDF)

  • August 26, 2015 - CAB meeting with US Air Force re: PFC contamination. US Air Force only agreeing to treat the Haven Well as ordered by the US EPA. US Air Force PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

  • August 2015 - NH DHHS opens second round of blood testing to the Pease community for anyone that missed the deadline for the first round of testing.

 

 

 

Apr - Jun 2015

June 2, 2015 - CAB Meeting with NH DES and Epidemiologists on Health Effects & PFCs

The state released their blood testing protocol on their website and the Governor of NH, Maggie Hassan, expanded the blood testing protocol to include ALL community members exposed to contaminated Pease well water prior to May 2014 (when the Haven well was shut down). Portsmouth Mayor, Robert Lister, formed a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to better enhance the relationship and communication between the state and community. The CAB had their first meeting on May 6, 2015. Multiple CAB meetings occurred in June. The first round of blood testing ended on June 12, 2015. The state presented the first round of 98 adults blood test results to the community on June 17, 2015 and the PFAS results of the Pease community are elevated when compared to national averages.

June 17, 2015 -  NH DHHS presents first 98 adult blood test results

  • April 2, 2015 - State releases blood testing protocol and agrees to test anyone exposed to contaminated water on Pease prior to May 2014. Protocol was revised in June 2015 (PDF).

  • April 2015 - community members start giving blood samples in the first round of blood testing.

  • April 6, 2015 - NH DHHS starts posting weekly updates on their website for the community.

  • April 23, 2015 - Portsmouth Mayor Robert Lister forms the Community Advisory Board (CAB) to assist with communication between the community and the state and represent the diverse voice of the community.

  • May 6, 2015 - CAB meets for the first time. Brian Goetz from city of Portsmouth DPW presents Water System Overview. PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

  • May 14, 2015 - CAB meeting with presentation from NH DHHS Public Health Lab & NH DES (Dept of Environmental Services). PowerPoint Presentation with NH DHHS (PDF) | PowerPoint Presentation with NH DES (PDF)

  • June 2, 2015 - CAB meeting with NH DES and Epidemiologists on Health Effects & PFCs. NH DES PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

  • June 12, 2015 - first round of blood testing ends.

  • June 17, 2015 - NH DHHS Dr Benjamin Chan presents to the community the first 98 adult blood test results in first round of testing. DHHS Summary (PDF) | DHHS Presentation (PDF) .

 

Mar 2015

March 18, 2015 - Senator Shaheen addresses Pease PFC contamination to U.S. Air Force (her question starts at 4:40)

A representative from NH DHHS presented to the Portsmouth city council on March 16, 2015 and stated the blood testing protocol has been approved and the state plans to test 100 community members starting in April. The city council and community was not pleased with this limited number. The state hosted a community meeting at the end of March with excellent community attendance. The community expressed their frustrations with the lack of communication and community involvement in the planning process.

  • March 16, 2015 - Rick Cricenti from NH DHHS presents to the Portsmouth City Council giving an update on status of testing and informs the city council the state plans to test 100 community members.

  • March 17, 2015 - Air Force tests water at Pease daycare from tap with and without Brita filter. Results reported on April 16, 2015 reveal Brita faucet filter makes low level PFCs non detect!

  • March 18, 2015 - Senator Jeanne Shaheen asks the U.S. Air Force to assist with the costs of testing for Pease at a meeting in Washington.

  • March 23, 2015 - NH DHHS sends letters to all the businesses on Pease informing them of the blood testing program. Letter is on page 6 of the state’s blood testing protocol (PDF)

  • March 31, 2015 - NH DHHS hosts a community meeting to discuss blood testing program. Part 1 | Part 2

 

Dec 2014 - Jan 2015

Frustrated with a lack of response at the city, state, and federal level, Andrea Amico called the Portsmouth Herald to see if they would run a story about the lack of action and follow through by the state on the blood testing protocol. The Portsmouth Herald returned her call and wrote a front page newspaper story about her frustrations. The newspaper article gained the attention of the community and city & state officials finally started to take action. Andrea Amico started an online petition to advocate for a blood testing protocol and a Testing for Pease Facebook page to keep the community up to date on the status of blood testing.

 

Aug - Nov 2014

Andrea Amico continued to attempt communication with the state to check in for updates on the status of blood testing for her family. The state stopped returning her emails and phone calls in October 2014. The Air Force agrees to pay the city of Portsmouth $154,000 to look for a new well/water source.

  • October 4, 2014 - Air Force agrees to pay the city of Portsmouth $154,000 to look for a new well/water source now that Haven Well is no longer on line due to PFC contamination. Read More

 

Jun - Jul 2014

Andrea Amico continued to communicate with NH DHHS via email and phone about blood testing for her family. The state responded that they are working on developing criteria for the blood testing process. Andrea Amico reached out via email to several government officials (city, state, and federal) asking for assistance in urging the state to push the blood testing process along.  

 

Apr - May 2014

The Pease drinking water wells were tested for the first time for PFAS in April 2014. The initial water sample results revealed multiple PFAS in all three drinking water wells on Pease (Haven, Smith, & Harrison). However, the Haven well was shut down immediately due to high levels of PFOS. A newspaper article published in May 2014 to inform the community of the contamination and a community meeting was held at the end of May 2014 to answer community questions and concerns. Andrea Amico attended the first Pease community meeting in May 2014 and started advocating at that meeting for a PFAS blood testing program to be offered by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS).

  • April 2014 - Pease wells tested for PFAS (f/m/a PFCs) for the first time. Water Test Results (PDF)

  • May 12, 2014 - PFAS (f/m/a PFC) contamination identified and Haven Well immediately shut down. PFCs also identified in Smith & Harrison wells on Pease, but below the EPA PHA (provisional health advisory). Read More

  • May 28, 2014 - Public Meeting to discuss health effects. Blood testing not recommended per Dr Elizabeth Talbot with NH DHHS. Read More

  • May 28, 2014 - Portsmouth resident, Andrea Amico, attends the community meeting and questions state officials about how to get blood testing for her family (husband and children on Pease daily and exposed to contaminated water) in place. She starts emailing NH DHHS official at end of May to pursue blood testing.

 

History Prior to April/May 2014

PFAS was discovered in the drinking water at the Pease Tradeport in April 2014. Testing for Pease’s advocacy started in May 2014 when the first newspaper article was published on the contamination reporting the closing of the Haven well. Since then, Testing for Pease has kept a detailed and chronological timeline of meetings, events, and activities surrounding PFAS work pertaining to Pease (see above).

Brief history of the Pease International Tradeport:

• Pease International Tradeport started development in 1991

• 3 wells supply drinking water (Haven, Smith, & Harrison)

• Haven well was shut down in May 2014 when high levels of PFOS were discovered

• Currently home to ~ 250 businesses and still growing

• 2 large daycare centers

• Restaurants

• Healthcare/medical office buildings

• Multiple colleges

• Golf course

• ~10,000 people employed on Pease daily (and growing)

• Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) currently in operation

• Air National Guard base is still active




Brief history of the former Pease Air Force Base:

• 1956 to 1991 Strategic Air Command (SAC) Base

• 4,365 acres of land with 3 on site wells

• In 1989 there were ~4500 total employees on Pease (active-duty military, civil service workers and non-appropriated fund employees)

• In 1990 military personnel began leaving the base

• In 1991 Pease AFB closed and became the first base in the nation to be closed under BRAC

• In 1991 Pease became a Superfund site