Watch CBS News

Congressmen Question Water Safety Near Closed Naval Bases

WILLOW GROVE, Pa. (AP) — Several congressmen are raising concerns about the safety of drinking water near two former U.S. Navy bases in suburban Philadelphia.

The lawmakers say firefighting foams used at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove and the Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster might be the source of cancer-causing chemicals found in nearly 100 public and private wells near the properties.

Republican U.S. Reps. Patrick Meehan and Mike Fitzpatrick, and Democrat Rep. Brendan Boyle, sent the letter to the Department of the Navy on Thursday.

They want to know how the Navy handled the discovery of the chemicals in groundwater at the two closed bases. The congressmen also say similar contamination is being investigated at the Horsham Air Guard Station, which is still operating.

The Navy says it has received the letter, but hasn't commented.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.