The Navy is evaluating past releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, under the Navy Environmental Restoration Program. These substances may be present in the soil and/or groundwater as a result of historical firefighting activities using aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which is considered the main DoD source of PFAS releases. This foam was also used for firefighting training, equipment testing, as a component of fire suppression systems, and in as a mist suppressant in plating shops.
At NAVFAC Hawaii, areas under evaluation include:
-
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
-
Pacific Missile Range Facility
-
Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
This work is being conducted in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and National Contingency Plan (NCP).
The first phase of work is preparing installation-wide Preliminary Assessments, which includes a review of historical records to identify where past PFAS releases likely occurred from past activities. Based on the recommendations of the Preliminary Assessments, Site Inspections will be performed to collect soil and groundwater data determine whether further actions are needed.
These documents are undergoing revisions and revised draft versions are planned for Winter 2020.