CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Department of the Air Force has awarded a nearly $150,000 contract to sample soil below a fire training pond here for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, as part of an on-going response to a release of about 7,600 gallons of water containing the substances into the lined pond in July.
“Cannon AFB is committed to taking the appropriate and necessary action to protect our Airmen, their families, and our community partners,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Johnston, 27th Special Operations Wing and Cannon AFB commander. “We will continue to work expeditiously as we responsibly and appropriately respond to this release.”
The newly contracted sampling team is expected to begin extracting samples below the release location within the coming week. Data gathered from the samples will provide officials with information needed to shape future actions, said Michael Ackerman, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Regional Environmental Coordinator.
The contract award is the latest in a series of actions by the base and AFCEC since the discovery of the release.
Actions to date include:
- The rinsate and associated sediment was removed from the pond, consolidated, and placed in a locked facility to await proper disposal
- The fire training pond location is secured and covered to keep rain and unauthorized personnel away from the site;
- Installation leaders have instituted new PFAS management training requirements and elevated all PFAS disposal and handling decisions to base commander level.
- Johnston ordered a commander-directed investigation of the incident, which was recently completed. Leaders are carefully reviewing the findings and recommendations and considering all appropriate actions. Significant process improvement measures have been instituted and more are expected to be implemented.
With soil sample reports expected by the end of October, officials intend to publish more information including a final rinsate release work plan in the coming months. Once the plan is complete Ackerman said the Air Force will share it with regulatory agencies like the New Mexico Environment Department to encourage continued transparency and cooperation.
The DAF will update community members during the next PFAS quarterly public meeting scheduled for Nov. 12. The 27th Special Operations Wing will provide updates as additional information is available.
For questions, please contact 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs at 575-784-4131.