Azores Begins Cattle Testing Over Health Fears Surrounding Heavy Metal Pollution Around Lajes Air Base

The Azores Regional Government is launching an independent investigation into decades of soil and groundwater contamination linked to Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island. Authorities will map fuel-contamination plumes and test cattle, pasture and water near affected areas, with separate analysis of milk because of the island's major dairy sector. The testing will cover hydrocarbons, heavy metals, PFAS and BTEX compounds, while a proposed independent technical commission is expected to review studies, commission further analyses and report on environmental and public-health measures.