Resident urges Sumter County to push Shaw AFB and lawmakers on PFAS contamination

A Florence County resident who owns property in Sumter County urged Sumter County Council on June 13 to press for clearer public information and coordinated action on PFAS contamination she says stems from historical use of firefighting foam at Shaw Air Force Base.

Dee A. Hoehn told the council she and tenants near Shaw have been affected by PFAS — synthetic “forever chemicals” used in firefighting foam and many consumer products — and urged broader public education, transparent data releases and multi-stakeholder working groups. She told the council that the EPA’s advisory value has been 70 parts per trillion and that a proposal has been made to recommend a much lower advisory level; she characterized PFAS as persistent and potentially linked to adverse health effects.

"The potential impact of PFAS contamination on our residents' health and well-being cannot be underestimated," Hoehn said, and urged the council to invite congressional leaders to participate in joint meetings with Shaw and the Restoration Advisory Board.

Chairman James T. McCain said he has been arranging a meeting with Shaw officials and the base’s engineers and that county representatives — including McCain, Councilman Carlton B. Washington and County Administrator Gary Mixon — plan to meet with Shaw in July before pursuing letters to congressional offices. Hoehn suggested five working groups to address communications, health concerns, property values, legal process and legislation.

What residents raised: Other public commenters at the meeting asked for pothole repairs on Cannery Road and Stateburg-area roads, promoted local events, and reported a suspected natural gas smell on East Patricia Drive; the council said it would investigate district-specific road and safety reports.

What’s next: Council said it will meet with Shaw officials in July; no binding action or formal study authorization was recorded at the meeting.