In a significant step forward in addressing concerns regarding per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances at the Tucson International Airport Area Superfund Site, the Department of the Air Force and the Environmental Protection Agency today committed to a cooperative framework for the ongoing remediation efforts at the site.
This joint commitment follows discussions aimed at resolving issues raised in the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act Emergency Order issued to the DAF on May 29, 2024, concerning the presence of PFAS in groundwater near the Tucson Airport. Both agencies recognize the importance of collaborative action and a unified approach to environmental protection.
"The Department of the Air Force is committed to addressing environmental concerns and safeguarding public health," said Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment. "We appreciate our partnership with the EPA and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and we are dedicated to taking meaningful steps toward a solution. This doesn't happen without a commitment from two agencies to work together cooperatively. I am proud of what our teams have accomplished - it's cooperation on a level we haven't seen before, and we're committed to keeping up the momentum."
For over 30 years, the DAF has worked to restore and protect the Tucson region, beginning with a Consent Decree for trichloroethylene treatment in 1991 and continuing with a project for 1,4-dioxane treatment initiated in 2016. In 2024, the DAF established a Technical Working Group at Tucson International Airport Area Superfund Site to facilitate information exchange on PFAS investigations and address data gaps to develop effective regional solutions.
As part of this collaborative effort, and to enhance ongoing remediation efforts already in place, the DAF and the EPA are committed to implementing a series of critical actions aimed at effectively addressing the PFAS contamination at the Tucson International Airport Area Superfund Site.
The DAF plans to complete the CERCLA Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study for PFAS contamination at Air Force Plant 44 and Morris Air National Guard Base. It will also conduct a treatability study and implement source control measures to address PFAS at these locations. The DAF is prepared to enter interim agreements with the City of Tucson and Tucson Airport Authority to share costs for PFAS mitigation efforts, including Granular Activated Carbon changes and Ion Exchange pretreatment plant upgrades. Lastly, the DAF will collaborate with the EPA and Department of Justice to determine appropriate CERCLA instruments for these actions.
The partnership between the DAF and the EPA underscores a commitment to environmental protection and public health, and with ongoing efforts and shared responsibility, both agencies are working to ensure lasting solutions for the Tucson community and a safer future.
