Cannon Air Force Base PFAS Contamination: Latest Updates on Cleanup Efforts
Air Force Civil Engineering spokesman Chris Gierke announced progress on cleanup efforts at Cannon Air Force Base during a virtual Zoom meeting on Tuesday. Supply chain issues delayed the start of these efforts, but all necessary parts are expected to arrive by January.
Cannon Deputy Wing Commander Col. Jeff McMaster acknowledged the accidental release of PFAS chemicals at the base in July. He emphasized the commitment to transparency and cooperation in addressing the situation. PFAS are man-made chemicals linked to health risks and have contaminated groundwater at both Cannon and other military bases.
Gierke discussed ongoing investigations at Cannon. He stated that extensive soil, water, and groundwater samples have been collected to assess the impact around the base. There are plans for drilling and installing monitoring wells.
How is the Air Force ensuring transparency in its cleanup efforts at Cannon Air Force Base?
Interview with Chris Gierke, Spokesman for Air Force Civil Engineering on Cleanup Efforts at Cannon Air Force Base
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Chris. Can you provide an overview of the current status of cleanup efforts at Cannon Air Force Base?
Chris Gierke: Certainly. We have made significant progress on the cleanup efforts at Cannon Air Force Base. Although supply chain issues initially delayed our activities, we are now on track, with all necessary parts expected to arrive by January.
Interviewer: In July, there was an accidental release of PFAS chemicals. Can you elaborate on the base’s response to this incident?
Chris Gierke: Yes, the accidental release of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, was acknowledged by Col. Jeff McMaster, our Deputy Wing Commander. The Air Force is fully committed to transparency and cooperation as we address this situation, and we are actively working to mitigate any risks associated with PFAS contamination.
Interviewer: What specific steps are being taken to investigate and remediate this contamination?
Chris Gierke: We have undertaken extensive investigations at Cannon, which include the collection of soil, water, and groundwater samples to thoroughly assess the impact around the base. We also have plans to drill and install monitoring wells to track the contamination levels over time.
Interviewer: Can you discuss the current setup in terms of treatment facilities on the base?
Chris Gierke: Currently, we have a pump and treat station operating in the southeast corner of the base. We are also planning to establish another treatment station in the northern area to enhance our cleanup capabilities.
Interviewer: How much funding has been allocated for these investigation and cleanup efforts?
Chris Gierke: To date, we have invested approximately $73.2 million into our investigation and cleanup efforts, demonstrating our commitment to fully addressing this challenge.
Interviewer: When can the community expect the next public update regarding these efforts?
Chris Gierke: The next public update is scheduled for May 13, where we will provide further information on our progress and ongoing efforts.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Chris. We appreciate the update and your commitment to transparency in this crucial matter.
Chris Gierke: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep the community informed as we work through this process.
Currently, a pump and treat station operates in the southeast corner of the base, and another is planned for the northern area. Gierke reported that $73.2 million has been invested in investigation and cleanup efforts thus far. The next public update is scheduled for May 13.