CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Department of the Air Force is investigating the release of about 7,000 gallons of water containing per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “PFAS,” into a lined retention pond at the fire training area, here, between July 9 and July 15.
“We understand the concerns of our community, our Airmen, and their families,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Johnston, 27th Special Operations Wing and Cannon AFB commander. “Please know that we are working expeditiously to address the affected area. We are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.”
Cannon drinking water wells are upstream of the deposit area and are not affected by the release. The U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center does not anticipate any off-base wells will be impacted by the release.
The rinsate, or water containing PFAS, had previously been removed from emergency vehicles as part of the DAF’s effort to eliminate legacy PFAS-containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) from its inventory.
Cannon AFB began investigating the incident in early August when leadership was notified of the improper deposit in the lined retention pond. Immediately, the base recovered the liquid remaining in the lined retention pond. The base also had the sediments removed from the pond. The recovered liquid remains stored in authorized containers at Cannon AFB pending proper disposition.
After removing the rinsate and associated sediments, Cannon AFB contracted an independent third party to inspect the liner on Aug. 23, which revealed the liner was compromised in several areas with tears of various lengths. Upon discovery of the compromised liner, DAF notified the New Mexico Environment Department of the inadvertent release on Aug. 24.
The impacted area will be sampled and fully characterized to inform any necessary corrective measures. Any potential impacts to groundwater from this release would be captured by the existing groundwater pump and treat system that is part of the pilot study on the southeast boundary of the installation.
Johnston has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the improper deposit. Additionally, he has appointed a task force to examine and review all current environmental compliance training, policy and procedural guidance to ensure strict adherence to applicable requirements moving forward.
Finally, Johnston ordered all waste chemicals containing PFAS currently on the base to be moved into a centralized secured area, inventoried and scheduled for proper disposal.
The DAF will update community members during the next PFAS quarterly public meeting scheduled for Nov. 12. The 27th Special Operations Wing will provide updates as additional information is available.
For questions, please contact 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs at 575-784-4131.