EPA Superfund Site

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE (4 WASTE AREAS)

WA | EPA ID WA9571924647

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of June 2024, 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. The known source of PFAS is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) released during on site and infiltrating into the groundwater. This exposure pathway is considered unacceptable based on EPA risk-based criteria because the Air Force has found perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in offsite resident drinking water wells above the EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Maximum Contaminant Limits (MCLs) for PFAS. Affected residents have not been provided treatment systems or bottled water.

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. EPA and the Air Force currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by January 2030; by this time the Record of Decision for the PFAS operational unit is expected to be completed and the Remedial Action will be underway.

In addition, 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. The EPA and other local agencies attend these sessions and are available to answer community questions.