USAF testing PFAS levels from former base operations

PLATTSBURGH | At the sixth five-year environmental review last month, environmental testing indicates the area of contamination from jet fuel and oil on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base is shrinking. Site studies of pollution from the air base runway and defense operations have continued steadily for 30 years. The "plume" near fuel storage areas has shrunk considerably, with aeration treatment and soil cleaning procedures that began decades ago. The ongoing problem comes from Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Environmental engineers began testing for PFAS as awareness of danger from "forever chemicals" became known about 10 years ago. David S. Farnsworth, U.S. Air Force Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) environmental coordinator, has overseen monitoring and cleanup since the base closed. He provided a public presentation in late August about ongoing testing. The meeting was held in the Town of Plattsburgh board room. Farnsworth said they have been analyzing for 41 different compounds. A remedial investigation, he said, involves locating the existing source, identifying migration patterns of contaminants and identifying any potential risk to the local population. Tests are done on soils, groundwater and on surface water and sediment samples. They initiated PFAS assessment in 2015, began testing in 2016 and added more test sites last fall. In October last year, the USAF also awarded a contract for extending a portion of the Plattsburgh municipal water line to three off-base residences that currently utilize private drinking water wells. "The Air Force hopes to complete construction of the water line extension during 2025," according to status updates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Department of Defense (DoD) has been actively testing and monitoring off-base drinking water since 2016," the report says."DoD has taken interim actions to address off-base drinking water wells at 55 installations where PFOS and PFOA were above 70 ppt (parts per trillion). "These 55 installations represent the locations with the highest known levels of PFAS in private drinking water from DoD activities. DoD is prioritizing action to address PFAS at these locations as a first step rather than delay action at these locations while ongoing remedial investigations continue. "The DoD policy released in September 2024 expedites implementation of more enduring solutions. DoD will focus on sustainable solutions, including providing connections to municipal systems; installing whole-house treatment systems; and providing point-of-use treatment systems." At the meeting, Farnsworth said they have sampled 44 private wells in the area just south of the runway. PFOS and PFAS derive primarily from widespread use of firefighting foam known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) for required training and to control any fuel fires. Other sources include military electronics and protective gear. The environmental pollutants are clustered primarily near the southern end of the runway and migrate toward waterways and soils there. Farnsworth said tests to monitor the pollutants are done quarterly with the next round of results due this month. The data is available for public review online: www.acq.osd.mil/eie/eer/ecc/pfas/map/pfasmap.html Residents and stakeholders can find final testing results for PFAS or planned PFAS testing in off-base drinking water within a covered area by using search fields or the map on the web page. Ongoing tests will inform a long-term solution, Farnsworth said. A DoD baseline Risk Assessment report will be completed in 2026. RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD Meantime, the Air Force environmental response team is seeking applicants to reinstate the Restoration Advisory Board, or RAB, a local group of stakeholders who could help inform any cleanup program. "Members will provide informed recommendations to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Team." Potential stakeholders or groups could include: Individual resident living on or within one mile of the former base perimeter area. Regional resident (residents living within 10 miles of the former base perimeter) Labor organizations Agricultural·sector Environmental organizations Public interest groups Local businesses Real estate (realtor, broker, etc.) Local government (elected or appointed officials) State. government (elected or appointed officials) Academia or university related personnel Native Americans with treaty or statutory rights A representative from the Adirondack Park Agency attended the review meeting last month, as did planning personnel from EPA and the Town of Plattsburgh, including Supervisor Michael Cashman. The meeting drew about 30 interested residents and some asked questions related to impacts on Lake Champlain. With results due this month and ongoing study in progress, a final report and remediation plan is still a few steps ahead in the process. For more information about the Advisory Board or to obtain an application to join, contact John P. Carr at john.carr@cherokee-federal.com The application process is open until Sept. 30. To find out more or stay updated: cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Stayup&id=0202439

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USAF testing PFAS levels from former base operations

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