AEDC Commander orders no drinking/no contact with base water

  • Published
  • By Kathy Gattis/Jason Austin
  • AEDC/PA
Arnold AFB, Tenn. --  The commander of Arnold Engineering Development Center has directed employees not to use the potable water on base because of contaminants found Friday.

The workforce was alerted late yesterday after ethylene glycol was found in one building's water supply.

"Yesterday we sampled the water in the ELA area (where many of our smaller vacuum chambers are located) and after it was analyzed, we discovered low levels of ethylene glycol," AEDC Commander, Col. Michael Panarisi, said. "We then issued a no drinking/no contact order for the entire industrial area of base."

After the initial finding, base environmental and industrial hygiene experts initiated a standard contamination check procedure, and found lower levels of ethylene glycol at other locations on base.

Since then the ELA building water system has been isolated and crews have been flushing the entire base water system. This procedure and the no drinking/no contact order will remain in effect until the contaminate is no longer present.

Base officials are notifying all employees not to drink the base water, wash their hands with water from the sinks, or use eyewash stations supplied by the potable water system. In the meantime, AEDC will distribute bottled water and hand sanitizers.

"But we need everyone's help," said Colonel Panarisi. "I am asking everyone to bring in a day's supply of drinking water for the next few days, to help relieve the stress on our bottled water supply and distribution plan." Food service on the base will also be limited.

Getting the word out is the Commander's top priority. "We're informing everyone at the gates as they enter the base, and our building managers are busy posting signs and warnings to prevent an accidental exposure."

While it is highly unlikely that anyone has ingested dangerous levels of glycol, all employees should be aware of the symptoms associated with high concentrations. These include dizziness, disorientation, irritation, restlessness, headaches, slurred speech and sleepiness. These symptoms might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact the AEDC Dispensary at (931) 454-5385 or the Fire Department Dispatch at (931) 454-5648.

There is no danger to surrounding communities, AEDC's Arnold Village housing area, UTSI, or the Tennessee National Guard range because their water sources are separate from the industrial area.

Ethylene glycol is a biodegradable organic compound, and is expected to fully degrade in the base water treatment plant and retention pond prior to the water being released back into Woods Reservoir. The base conducts frequent checks to ensure the safety of the water flow into the reservoir.

An investigation to determine the cause of the contamination is on-going. AEDC has notified state officials.

We'll provide more information as it becomes available. Employees are encouraged to visit the Arnold Air Force Base website, www.arnold.af.mil, for updates.