EPA Superfund site
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE (4 WASTE AREAS)
Human exposure is NOT currently under control
Data limitations: Proximity to a Superfund site boundary does not mean your property is contaminated. EPA site boundaries show the area designated for cleanup, not the full extent of contamination. Groundwater plumes can extend beyond site boundaries. This tool shows publicly available EPA federal data. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPA, and is not a substitute for a professional environmental assessment.
About this site's exposure pathways
As of June 2026, the Fairchild Air Force Base Superfund site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control” (HENC). The Air Force is investigating the nature and extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in groundwater (considered the PFAS Operable Unit) The known source of PFAS is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) released during on site and infiltrating into the groundwater which is a source of drinking water for nearby residents with private wells. This exposure pathway is considered unacceptable based on EPA risk-based criteria because 2024-2025 sample results found perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in offsite resident drinking water wells exceed the EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Maximum Contaminant Limits (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS. Ingestion of untreated private well water is causing current exposure. Residents with private wells above regulatory levels are currently exposed by drinking and cooking with untreated groundwater; dermal and inhalation exposures from household water use will be evaluated but ingestion is the primary concern.
Currently, the planned activities to address this pathway are to complete the Remedial Investigation and determine an appropriate clean up remedy in a Record of Decision. The Air Force will also provide affected residents with treatment systems when appropriate. If you are impacted by risks inherent at this site, contact the Air Force Fairchild Remedial Project Manager for more information on obtaining a filter. EPA and the Air Force currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by January 2040; by this time the Record of Decision for the PFAS operational unit is expected to be completed and the Remedial Action will be underway. By 2028 exposure will be under control by interim measures (e.g. point of use treatment systems, connections to municipal systems)
The Air Force is currently prioritizing providing drinking water treatment systems to residents with PFAS concentrations 3 times the MCL. The Air Force hosts multiple PFAS information sessions each year for the community. The EPA and other local agencies attend these sessions and are available to answer community questions.