(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Congressman Mike Rulli (R-OH-06) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin raising major concerns over the Department of Defense’s (DOD) efforts to receive approval to incinerate polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a plant in East Liverpool, OH. Represented by Congressman Rulli, East Liverpool is a community in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District along the Ohio River and is just a few miles upwind of Allegheny and Beaver County communities in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, represented by Congressman Deluzio.

Also known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS is a type of manufactured chemical that breaks down very slowly and is frequently found in defense-related materials like firefighting foam. As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes, PFAS “can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.” Research is still ongoing to understand the comprehensive impacts that these types of long-lasting chemicals can have on human health and the environment, but PFAS have already been linked to several adverse health impacts, including cancer and birth defects. In 2022, Congress passed a law prohibiting the DOD from incinerating PFAS until they could issue guidance in line with the EPA’s disposal advice.

And yet, as the Congressmembers write in their letter, “The DOD is looking to resume the incineration process in East Liverpool, Ohio, that can contaminate the surrounding soil, seep into nearby water sources, and pollute the air.”

The Congressmen continue, “The DOD has cited improved, cleaner incineration techniques as their reasoning for this renewed appeal. The EPA, however, disagrees, and just earlier this year admitted that ‘uncertainties remain’ regarding the effectiveness and safety of PFAS incineration. You should not carry out any operations in our communities without being certain of its safety.”  

In the letter Congressmen Deluzio and Rulli ask several questions of Secretary Austin and his Department, including:  

• “What is this new process that the DOD claims is ‘cleaner?’” 

• “What will you do to ensure these communities are kept safe and that nothing will leach into our soil, water, and air?” 

The Congressmen conclude, “There must be acceptable answers to these questions before something happens that could put our constituents at risk. We urge you to end any PFAS incineration and block any efforts to resume this in East Liverpool until the DOD and EPA can prove there is no risk to our communities’ health and safety. We also implore you to work closely with local leaders of the affected communities so that they are aware of your plans and can best advocate for their interests.” 

A full copy of the letter is available here.