CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Department of the Air Force has removed and disposed of all aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, previously used in fire-fighting equipment, here, Jan. 12.
A total of 4,565 gallons of AFFF and rinsate from the Cannon AFB hangar fire suppression system and storage tanks were removed as part of the Air Force’s AFFF Sundown Policy and the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The material was transported to Waste Management Kettlemen Landfill in Kettlemen City, Calif., for safe disposal.
Separately, Cannon AFB has completed the removal and disposal of soil impacted from an improper deposit of water containing AFFF rinsate into the firefighting training area in July 2024. The removal and disposal of this soil was driven by a commander-directed investigation that occurred in Fall 2024.
With support from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Cannon AFB immediately investigated the improper deposit and took steps to secure all remaining rinsate, fence off any previously used disposal areas to ensure no additional deposits were made, and fully kept the New Mexico Environment Department apprised a remediation plan. Removing to improper deposit was completed on Jan. 28. This included excavation and disposal of one foot of contaminated soil and placing a new liner in the area.
As part of the base’s response to the improper deposit, wing leadership appointed a task force to examine and review all environmental compliance training, policy and procedural guidance to ensure strict adherence to applicable requirements.
Additionally, leadership ordered all waste material containing AFFF currently on the base to be scheduled for proper disposal. This disposal was completed by a hired contractor who transported the AFFF and rinsate to the landfill in California.
The DAF remains committed to environmental restoration at Cannon AFB and ongoing communication with our regulatory partners and the surrounding community. The base has invested more than $74 million in PFAS response efforts, including a treatment facility that has treated nearly140 million gallons of water to date. Our Airmen and their families are proud members of the Curry and Roosevelt County communities and we share the concerns about PFAS exposure.
For more information on the base’s environmental mission and status, please visit https://www.cannon.af.mil/Environmental/