On February 17, the Northampton, Bucks County, Municipal Authority is taking a critical step in addressing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination in the region by beginning Phase 1 of its Navy PFAS Remediation Project.

This initiative, funded by the United States Navy, will connect PFAS affected properties to the public water system ensuring residents have access to clean and safe drinking water while properly abandoning contaminated wells.

The former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster, also known as the Johnsville Naval Air Development Center, operated for 50 years before its closure in the 1990s. Following this, parts of the site were designated as an EPA Superfund Site due to significant groundwater contamination linked to Navy activities.

This contamination has spread into surrounding neighborhoods, including Northampton Township. The Navy is identifying private wells that may be affected and has committed to remediation for those found contaminated.

“The start of Phase 1 marks a milestone in protecting our community’s water supply from PFAS contamination,” said Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of NBCMA. “With the U.S. Navy’s support, we are working diligently to provide clean water to impacted residents and eliminate the use of contaminated private wells.”

Phase 1 includes the installation of approximately 6,500 linear feet of 8-inch water main, fire hydrants, and 72 water service connections to properties within the project area identified by the U.S. Navy.

The properties that will be fully connected to the public water system will be determined by the U.S. Navy, with their private wells decommissioned. Additionally, the project includes the necessary design and construction to extend NBCMA’s water main system to connect these properties.

As NBCMA progresses with Phase 1, efforts are also underway to secure funding for Phase 2—the Navy PFAS Remediation Project’s expansion.

NBCMA is actively seeking $20 million in grants from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to support a broader water main extension and provide connections to additional properties in need.

This expanded scope would include an additional 17,900 linear feet of 8-inch water main, 18 new fire hydrants, and 334 additional water service connections, further protecting our community’s public health.

“To fully address this environmental hazard, we need support from our community and our elected officials,” continued Sullivan. “Securing this funding is vital to ensuring that all affected homes receive safe and clean water.”

Public support is essential and urgently needed to advance this initiative.

NBCMA encourages the community to spread the word—share updates with local friends, family and neighbors, and stay connected on the NBCMA website.

Visit the Authority’s Navy PFAS Remediation Project webpage for more information.

Visit DEP’s PFAS in Pennsylvania webpage to learn more about this issue generally.

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[Posted: February 17, 2025]

2/24/2025