Picture captured by 21 News drone, courtesy of 680aerials.

Congressman Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Congressman Rulli (R-OH-06) sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stating their concerns over the Department of Defense (DOD) attempting to receive approval to incinerate "forever chemicals" at a plant in East Liverpool.

These "forever chemicals", formally known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are manufactured chemicals that break down very slowly. These types of chemicals are often used in materials like firefighting foam. 

Research concerning PFAS chemicals is ongoing, but links between these chemicals and adverse health effects such as cancer and birth defects have been found. 

In the letter to the DOD, the Congressmen voice their concerns, saying," The DOD is looking to resume the incineration process in East Liverpool, Ohio, that can contaminate the surrounding soil, seep into nearby water sources and pollute the air."

It is also noted that in 2022, Congress passed a law preventing the DOD from incinerating PFAS chemicals until they could issue guidelines that followed the EPA's disposal advice.