Written by Ethan Greenberg
Colorado College and food service manager Bon Appétit aim to source as much food as possible from local farms and ranches. However, groundwater contamination issues in areas south of Colorado Springs have erased one source of local produce.
Bon Appétit has stopped purchasing produce from Venetucci Farms after water was found to contain high levels of perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs. Bon Appétit has not received produce from Venetucci since May 2016, according to Bon Appétit General Manager Randy Kruse.
Venetucci Farms, beloved in the Colorado Springs community, is an urban farm owned by Pikes Peak Community Foundation. It sits on the southwestern edge of Colorado Springs, about 10 miles from CC. The 190-acre urban farm was established by the Venetucci Family in 1936.
Venetucci is one of a few local farms that has a relationship with CC. “Colorado College has been buying produce from Venetucci since July 2008,” said Kruse. The amount of produce bought by CC has depended on the year’s weather and crop selection.
Concerns about toxic substances in the water first arose this spring. Focus on PFCs increased after the EPA released a health advisory limit on PFCs in May 2016. PFCs have been linked to cancer, but are not yet illegal to use. Other common sources of PFCs include microwave popcorn bags, nonstick cookware, and carpet stain removers, according to the National Institute of Health.
Fountain, Security, and Widefield, several southern suburbs of Colorado Springs, have been forced to find new sources of water due to the contamination. They are buying water from other municipalities and in some cases providing bottled water, according to the Denver Post. Some residents are having their blood tested, as are some cows, in an effort to investigate the scope of the contamination.
The contamination is suspected to have originated from the fire-fighting foam used at Peterson Air Force Base, but an Air Force investigation into possible sources of PFC contamination at airfields nationwide will not be done until next year. Meanwhile, Peterson Air Force Base spokesman Steve Brady said the Air Force has made a commitment to spend $4.3 million to help residents set up carbon filtering systems as part of an Air Force good neighbor policy.
The Air Force has made an effort to remedy the situation. According to the Associated Press, the Air Force signed a contract with a different foam manufacturer that makes more environmentally responsible foam. Additionally, Air Force Fire Chief James Podolske Jr. said they will cease using foam in training exercises and use it only when absolutely necessary.
Currently, the foam is manufactured by the 3M Corporation. Residents of Fountain, Security, and Colorado Springs with elevated levels of cancer-causing chemicals in their blood have sued the 3M Corporation and various manufacturers that produced and sold firefighting foams.
In the meantime, Venetucci suffers from the uncertainty. Farm co-manager Susan Gordon figured the cost of lost sales is around $100,000. “I’m furious about this water contamination,” she said. Until more studies are released regarding the extent of the contamination, the relationship between Bon Appétit and Venetucci will remain on hold.
“It is unfortunate and difficult for Venetucci Farm and the surrounding community to be dealt this blow,” said Kruse. “The hope is that the water supply can be cleaned up for future generations to enjoy this iconic and essential farm in the Pikes Peak region.”