Page 2 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition July 2021

2 July 2021 Desert Lightning News Desert Lightning News July 2021 3
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Spouse pilots perform fini-flight 2020 Davis-Monthan Annual Water Quality Report
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is my water safe? Why are there contaminants in my drinking water? we will be back into compliance by Dec. 31 after reporting
Yes, your water is safe! We are pleased to present the 2020 The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) the 3rd quarter SOC sampling event.
by Airman Maj. James Corless, 355th Wing deputy director of wing air-to-air refueling is a regular part of our training flights Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and is there PFoS/PFoA in my drinking water?
WiLLiAM TuRNBuLL plans and programs, piloted an HC-130J Combat King II at Davis-Monthan, we still approached it professionally as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report is wells. As water travels across the surface of the land and No, there have been no instances where the contami-
while Maj. Heather Corless, 563rd RQG director of inspec- knowing that the hot summer weather would still provide
355th Wing Public Affairs intended to provide a detailed look at the Davis-Monthan seeps through the ground, it picks up naturally occurring nants known as PFOS/PFOA (perfluorooctane sulfonate
tions, piloted an HH-60 Pave Hawk during a helicopter plenty of challenges for both the HH-60 and HC-130.” AFB drinking water program, Public Water System ID# minerals and, in some cases, naturally occurring radioac- and perfluorooctanoic acid respectively, both members of
Two pilot spouses from the 563rd Rescue Group com- air-to-air refueling exercise over the Arizona desert. Heather and James have been assigned to the 563rd AZ0420549, and what the Davis-Monthan drinking water tive materials. Additionally, it can pick up any number of the perfluorinated compounds family) were detected in
pleted their fini-flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, “For both of us, this was a chance to finally fly in forma- RQG since 2018, but this was the first time in eight years team does for you every day to provide safe drinking water. substances resulting from the presence of animals or human the drinking water at Davis-Monthan. Monitoring of the
June 10. tion with each other,” James said. “Even though helicopter of flying for rescue that they have flown together. Where does my water come from? activity. These range from viruses or bacteria found in water drinking water for these contaminants was accomplished
“We tried multiple times while at Moody Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan supplies drinking water to around 20,300 treatment plants and septic systems, inorganic and organic in 2020 and the results showed no detectable levels. No
but it just never worked out,” Heather said. “After having customers/base residents each day. This water is pulled compounds, either naturally occurring or occurring as a tests conducted by Davis-Monthan or the surrounding area
children, we had sort of accepted that it was going to be directly from the Fort Lowell Aquifer via eight groundwa- result of industrial operations, and chemical contaminants that Tucson Water is responsible for have found PFCs in
an unlikely occurrence due to the childcare complexity, but ter wells located throughout the base and is monitored by such as pesticides and herbicides from farms. the ground water at the depth that Davis-Monthan’s drink-
we are so grateful that our squadrons were willing to help personnel from the Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight, The EPA sets safety limits on these contaminants in pub- ing water wells pull water from (660 feet or deeper). The
us make the timing work before leaving Davis-Monthan.” 355th Operational Medicine Readiness Squadron, 355th lic water systems in order to ensure safe drinking water is Air Force continues to play an active role in groundwater
Afterward, both Heather and James expressed their Medical Group, 355th Wing. provided to the customer. Drinking water, including bottled testing and we are working closely with our partners at
gratitude toward their squadrons, their wingmen and all the Source water assessment and its availability water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small Tucson Water and the Arizona Department of Environmen-
behind-the-scenes staff for their support during this exercise. All drinking water is chlorinated for disinfection purposes. amounts of some contaminants; however, this does not nec- tal Quality. An initial site survey report conducted in 2017
“I am so thankful to my whole crew who gave me such Disinfection involves the addition of chlorine to kill bacteria essarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More recommended an expanded site survey at the deeper aquifer
a gift in allowing me the opportunity to make this sortie and microorganisms that may be in the water. On a monthly information about contaminants and potential health effects monitoring wells located down-gradient of the Stormwater
happen,” Heather said. “It takes so much teamwork, from basis, the Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight monitors the can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Outfall Canal, on the north side of installation property.
the engineers who designed the aircraft to have this unique base drinking water to ensure chlorination and acidity levels Hotline (800-426-4791). To conduct the expanded site inspection, two wells were
capability, to the maintainers who keep them up and run- fall within an acceptable range and bacteriological contami- Do i need to take special precautions? installed in that area this past spring. This expanded site
ning, to the instructors that train us and help us to grow nation is non-existent. Additional sampling is performed on a Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants inspection is currently ongoing. Results from the expanded
and progress as aviators to be able to accomplish these periodic basis for other contaminants to ensure our drinking in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- site inspection will be published to the Air Force Civilian
sorts of efforts safely, effectively, and with relative joy. My water remains compliant with safety regulations set by the compromised persons such as individuals with cancer under- Engineer Center’s Administrative Record website http://
gratitude for this opportunity is immeasurable, to both the Environmental Protection Agency. going chemotherapy, individuals who have undergone organ afcec.publicadmin-record.us.af.mil/ when available. Addi-
355th Wing team and rescue as a whole.” Based on the information currently available on the hy- transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system tional information about PFOS/PFOA and the Air Force’s
This was the final flight for both Heather and James drogeological settings and the adjacent land uses that are disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at response in the Davis-Monthan community can be found on
before undergoing a permanent change of station and per- in the specified proximity of the drinking water source(s) risk from infections. These people should seek advice about the Davis-Monthan Web site:https://www.dm.af.mil/About-
forming a staff tour at Air Combat Command headquarters of this public water system, the Arizona Department of drinking water from their health care providers. DM/Environmental-Stewardship/
in Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
Environmental Quality has given a high-risk designation Were there any monitoring failures or violations? Water quality Data table
On Feb. 23, Davis-Monthan received a monitoring and
for the degree to which this public water system drinking reporting deficiency that was marked as “compliance not water contaminants that we detected. Unless otherwise
The Water Quality Data table lists all of the drinking
water source(s) are protected. A designation of high risk
Notice of claim indicates there may be additional source water protection achieved,” which is visible on the AZ Safe Drinking Water noted, the data presented in this table is from testing done
measures, which can be implemented on the local level.
Information System and Environmental Protection Agency
within five years of the report. A majority of regulated
This does not imply that the source water is contaminated database. This monitoring and reporting deficiency was for contaminants that were not detected are not included in
On June 3, 2021, Davis-Monthan lost an incred- nor does it mean that contamination is imminent. Rather, a missed sampling for Synthetic Organic Compounds at the table. Thus, only those substances listed in the charts
ible Airman, Staff Sgt. Codey R. Adams of the 306th it simply states that land use activities or hydrogeological sampling site EPDS005 (water well) during the 2016-2018 were found in your water.
Rescue Squadron. We ask that anyone who may have conditions exist that make the source water susceptible to compliance monitoring period. Drinking water definitions
Airman William Turnbull a claim of indebtedness to his estates, please contact possible future contamination. Further source water assess- Monitoring and reporting of compliance data vio- MRDLg - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal -
A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II performs helicopter air-to-air refueling with an HH-60G Pave Hawk at the Summary Courts Officer (SCO) Capt. Joshua ment documentation can be obtained by contacting ADEQ. lations The level of drinking water disinfectant allowed in drinking
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, June 10. The HC-130, piloted by Maj. James Corless, refueled two HH-60G Pave Swartz at Joshua.swartz@us.af.mil. how can i get involved? During the monitoring period, EPDS005 was down for water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disin-
Hawks; one of which was piloted by his spouse, Maj. Heather Corless. We would like you to understand the efforts we make to maintenance; therefore, Bioenvironmental Engineering was fectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants .
continually improve the water treatment process and protect unable to sample at the site. The site did come back up in highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.
MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level - The
our water resources. If you would like additional information
2019, and BE then sampled the site February 2019; however,
CE starts summer energy campaign concerning this report, or if you have any questions about SOCs need to be sampled two times within the sampling There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant
year. Since BE did not sample the site again (3rd Quarter),
our drinking water program, please feel free to contact the
is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Davis-Monthan Drinking Water team members and we will
be happy to assist you in any way we can. a missed monitoring and reporting deficiency was issued. RAA - Running Annual Average of the Results
MCLg - Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - The level
Davis-Monthan takes this oversight very seriously and
by additional independent power source, and provide backup Staff Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight—520-228-5369 remains committed to ensuring the continued safety of the of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is
355Th CiviL eNgiNeeR SquADRoN equipment. Plans are also in the works for a second phase, Publisher ..........................................................................Paul Kinison Civil Engineer Customer Service—520-228-3171 installation’s drinking water. Precautions have been taken no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a
which could include battery storage and a micro grid. Business manager .......................................................... Lisa Kinison Soaring Heights—520-748-3339 to ensure sampling events are not missed in the future, and margin of safety.
355th Wing Public Affairs MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level - The highest level
There are also many of things you can do to help reduce Editor ...................................................................................Amy Lamb
Davis-Monthan spent almost $9 million on utilities in energy consumption, whether at work or at home. Below Advertising representative ............................................Sandi Bueltel of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs
fiscal year 2020, and much of that can be attributed to are several suggestions that can help reduce D-M’s $3 mil- Designer .............................................................................Tinna Sellie are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best
electrical usage during the summer months. In fact, Davis- lion summer cooling bill: Published by Aerotech News and Review, Inc. available treatment technology.
Monthan spends 60% more on electricity during this period • Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or above 877- 247-9288 • www.aerotechnews.com AL - Action Level. The concentration of a contaminant,
than any other season. It takes a lot of energy to keep cool • Power down equipment when not in use Aerotech News and Review prepares all editorial content for Desert Lightning News. The which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
in Tucson, and this is the time of year when managing • Keep doors and windows closed, and use window cover- editor will edit or rewrite submitted material for clarity, brevity or to conform to the As- which a water system must follow.
energy use can significantly reduce annual energy costs. ings if available sociated Press Style Guide, local policy and Air Force style as required by Air Force Instruc- Definitions provided by the Safe Drinking Water Act
Civil Engineering is currently implementing several • Purchase high efficiency appliances and lighting tion 35-101. Contributions for Desert Lightning News can be emailed to the editor at amy@ and utilized by the Arizona Department of Environmental
projects across the base that are expected to help save over • Report energy waste and water leaks to CES Customer aerotechnews.com. Submission deadlines are the 15th day prior to the month of publica- Quality.
$1 million per year, including LED lighting improvements Service at 228-3171 tion. Submissions will be based on space available and priority. Desert Lightning News uses DeTAiLeD iNFoRMATioN oN CoNTAMiNANTS
information from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base website, the Armed Forces Information
for offices, high bays, and aircraft aprons; automated me- You can also find energy-saving tips at the links below: Service, Air Force News Service, Air Combat Command, staff writers and other sources. All Chlorine Residual Disinfection is maintained through-
ter reading, and control upgrades to heating and cooling TeP Summer energy Tips: www.tep.com/news/ advertising is handled by Aerotech News and Review. For business advertising, call 877-247- out the distribution system. Chlorine is added to the drinking
systems across the base. Additionally, Davis-Monthan tep-offers-customers-easy-tips-for-keeping-summertime- 9288 or email Sandi Bueltel at sbueltel@aerotechnews.com. For classified advertising, email water supply at well sites to provide assurance that water
generates almost 40% of its electrical power from on-base energy-costs-down/ classifieds@aerotechnews.com. delivered to customers will remain free of microbiological
solar arrays. office energy Tips: www.safie.hq.af.mil/Portals/78/ Desert Lightning News is published by Aerotech News and Review, a private firm in contamination. This also ensures that the water meets
Energy resiliency, or the ability to continue critical mis- documents/EnergyAction/AF%20Protect%20the%20 no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under written agreement with the 355th microbiological drinking water standards from the time it
Fighter Wing. Contents of Desert Lightning News are not necessarily the official views
sions during utility outage, is a top U.S. Air Force goal. To Power%20Office.pdf of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense or the Department is pumped from the ground until it reaches the customer’s
that end, Davis-Monthan has partnered with Tucson Electric Dorm energy Tips: https://www.safie.hq.af.mil/ of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or tap. Chlorine Residual Disinfectant is measured seven days
Power on a new substation and infrastructure improvement Portals/78/documents/EnergyAction/AF%20Protect%20 supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by a week from each well and monthly from the sample stations
which will serve both the base and the surrounding Tucson the%20Power%20dorm.pdf the DLN, DOD, Air Force or Aerotech News and Review. Everything advertised in this where the bacteriological samples are collected. The annual
community. The $40 million initiative is set to break ground If you have an energy or water-saving project idea, please publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, chlorine residual disinfectant is calculated using the monthly
later this summer, and will bring substantial reliability contact the DMAFB Energy Manager at 228-6026 or by color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affilia- chlorine averages for the past 12 months.
tion or any other non-merit factor of the purchase, user or patron.
improvements to Davis-Monthan’s electric grid, add an email at gary.krivokapich.1@us.af.mil. See rEpOrT, Page 9