The safety of our communities, our installations and the populations that live and work on or near our facilities is one of our top priorities. We continue to cooperate with the Wisconsin DNR, local communities and National Guard Bureau to manage the risks of mission-related PFOS and PFOA. We are committed to being good stewards of the environment that we share with the local community.
What is PFOS/PFOA?
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) are synthetic fluorinated organic compounds used in many industrial and consumer products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabric and carpet and some food packaging – known for their unique ability to repel oil and water.
In 1970, the Air Force began using Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which contains PFOS/PFOA AFFF is the most efficient extinguishing method for petroleum fires and is widely used across the firefighting industry, to include all commercial airports, to protect people and property.
On May 19, 2016, the EPA established Health Advisory levels of 70 parts per trillion for separate and combined PFOS and PFOA concentrations in drinking water.
Actions
115th Fighter Wing
The 115th Fighter Wing continues to work closely with the Wisconsin DNR, the City of Madison and the Dane County Regional Airport to implement measures that will further the goal of PFAS-related remediation.
Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center
Volk Field CRTC continues to work closely with the Wisconsin DNR to reduce the risk of PFOS and PFOA.
128th Air Refueling Wing
The 128th Air Refueling Wing continues to work closely with the Wisconsin DNR, Milwaukee County the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, and General Mitchell International Airport to implement measures that will reduce the risk of PFOS and PFOA.
Wisconsin Army National Guard
In Wisconsin, the Army National Guard operates one drinking water system, a well at the Hayward Field Maintenance Shop.
Response
Air Force Response
The Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC) is taking a three-step approach- identify, respond, prevent-to assess and respond to potential PFOS/PFOA drinking water contamination.
Army Response
The Army follows the federal cleanup law, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Army works closely with appropriate state or federal regulators where the Army has identified potential areas of concern where PFAS were potentially released into the environment.
