Timeline of Actions
Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center

Throughout the 1970-1980’s, the Air Force used C8-chain Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), also known as legacy foam. Per Federal Aviation Administration requirements at the time, it was the mandated substance used in firefighting foam at the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) to extinguish jet fuel aircraft fires.

In 2015, National Guard Bureau (NGB) announced to stop testing legacy AFFF at all military installations across the U.S.

In addition, all Volk Field CRTC fire trucks were drained and rinsed of legacy AFFF and disposed of through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) disposal service in 2017. The fire trucks were refilled with Air Force approved C6-based AFFF, a more environmental-friendly substitute to the legacy foam.

Training with the C6-based AFFF is not allowed. To ensure proper functioning of vehicles a closed loop testing apparatus is attached to the fire truck. If an accident occurs while testing, it is treated and reported as a hazmat spill. C6-based AFFF is only dispensed in emergency situations where fire is involved or imminent.

Volk Field CRTC continues to work closely with the Wisconsin DNR to reduce the risk of mission-related PFOS and PFOA. The Air Force’s and National Guard Bureau’s investigation work and mitigation actions are guided by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA.

Additional Facts:

• Drinking water on Volk Field CRTC was determined safe for human consumption and meets all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• 1970-1980’s: Volk Field CRTC is mandated to store and use C8-based AFFF to respond to aircraft.
• June 2015: Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC) Preliminary Assessment report is received by Volk Field CRTC.
• August 2015: National Guard Bureau announces to stop testing firefighting vehicles with AFFF on all installations.
• May 2016: EPA established health advisory for PFOS/PFOA at 70 parts per trillion in drinking water.
• August 2016: Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC) Site Inspection (SI) conducted – temporary wells installed and sampled and soil borings conducted.
• December 2016: All Volk Field CRTC legacy C-8 AFFF supply is exchanged to the new formulation C-6 AFFF complete.
• February 2017: All Volk Field CRTC Fire Fighting vehicles are drained and rinsed of legacy AFFF, and refilled with a more environmentally friendly C6-based AFFF. The drained legacy AFFF and fire truck rinse-ate are disposed of through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
• December 2017: Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC) Site Inspection report is received by Volk Field CRTC.
• September 2020: NGB awards PFAS Remedial Investigation (RI) and Off Base Drinking Water Study contracts that includes Volk Field CRTC. Coordination with the Volk Field CRTC has begun and fieldwork is expected to begin in 2022