CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As part of a series of ongoing efforts to remediate per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in water near Cannon AFB, the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently opened a treatment facility at the Southeast corner of the installation designed to mitigate any further migration of PFAS off-base.
AFCEC sampled of 25 private wells, identifying three locations where PFAS levels exceeded health advisories in 2018. Following the federal cleanup framework established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, AFCEC confirmed PFAS impacted soil, surface water, and groundwater both on and off base.
In response to these findings, AFCEC launched two plans for pilot treatment systems with the main objective of mitigating the spread of PFAS and safeguarding surrounding communities. One facility has officially begun operating and treating impacted groundwater with a full-scale
pump and treat system.
The new facility processes approximately 600 gallons of water per minute with two lines of
filtration, which allow for continuous 24/7 operations. The system can be remotely monitored,
with automatic shutdowns if needed.
“PFAS-free water will be reinjected into the aquifer to be available for the community,” said
Christipher Gierke, AFCEC restoration project manager. “The reinjection will ensure we are not
exacerbating the current declining aquifer levels.
“The facility was fully operational by May 13, 2025. Continuous monitoring of the treatment facility will be performed to ensure we meet our ultimate goal of preventing further off- base migration.”
The Air Force remains committed to the safety and well-being of the Cannon AFB community and the surrounding area. The launch of these pilot treatment systems represents a critical milestone in addressing PFAS contamination. As the 27th Special Operations Wing continues to evaluate and mitigate environmental risks, it remains dedicated to transparency, regulatory compliance, and public health protection.
For more information regarding PFAS contamination and treatment updates, click here.