Water pollution tests planned around Grissom air base

PERU, Ind. (AP) – Officials are planning to test drinking-water wells near northern Indiana’s Grissom Air Reserve Base after chemical pollution was found at two sites on the property.

Base spokesman Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays says groundwater tests found a chemical from the foam used by firefighters in spots that formerly were fire-training areas near Grissom’s runway.

Hays tells the Kokomo Tribune the contamination was detected about 20 feet below ground, while drinking-water wells near the base run at least 150 feet below the surface.

Well testing is planned to begin in early September. Hays says experts will study whether the chemical could reach those wells.

Crews are also working to clean up 14 other sites around the base where pollutants have been found in the soil or water.